Operator's Manual: Motion Compensated Conversion Platform
Operator's Manual: Motion Compensated Conversion Platform
Operator's Manual: Motion Compensated Conversion Platform
Alchemist Ph.C-HD
Motion Compensated Conversion Platform
snellgroup.com
Alchemist Ph.C-HD www.snellgroup.com Contents
Contents
1. Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.1 Explanation of Safety Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.2 Power cable supplied for the USA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1.3 For products with more than one power supply inlet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1.4 Handling Instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1.5 Safety Standard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1.6 EMC Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1.7 EMC Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
1.8 EMC Performance Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
1.9 Coaxial Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
1.10 D-type Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3. Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.1 Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.1.1 Front Panel View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.1.2 Rear Panel View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.2 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3.3 Technical Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4. Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
4.1 Unpacking the Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
4.2 Removing the Transit Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
4.3 Connecting Power to the Alchemist Ph.C-HD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
4.3.1 Power Inlets and Power Supply Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
4.3.2 Power Supply LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
4.3.3 Power Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
4.3.4 Supply Voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
4.4 Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
4.5 Handling Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
4.6 Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
4.6.1 Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
4.6.2 Outputs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
4.6.3 Communication Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
4.7 Headphones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
1. Safety Information
This symbol indicates that hazardous voltages are present inside. Dieses Symbol zeigt an, dass gefährliche Spannung vorhanden ist.
No user serviceable parts inside. Es befinden sich keine vom Benutzer zu wartenden Teile im Geräteinneren.
This unit should only be serviced by trained personnel. Dieses Gerät sollte nur von geschultem Personal gewartet werden
· To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not expose this appliance · Um das Risiko eines Elektroschocks zu reduzieren, setzen Sie das
to rain or moisture. Gerät weder Regen noch Feuchtigkeit aus.
· Always ensure that the unit is properly earthed and power connections · Stellen Sie immer sicher, dass das Gerät ordnungsgemäß geerdet
correctly made. und verkabelt ist.
· This equipment must be supplied from a power system providing a · Dieses Equipment muss an eine Netzsteckdose mit Schutzleiter
PROTECTIVE EARTH connection and having a neutral connection angeschlossen werden und einen zuverlässig identifizierbaren Nullleiter haben.
which can be reliably identified.
· Die Netzsteckdose sollte nahe beim Gerät und einfach zugänglich sein.
· The power outlet supplying power to the unit should be close to the
unit and easily accessible
Netzanschluss in anderen Ländern als der USA
Power connection in countries other than the USA Das Equipment wird im Normalfall mit einem Netzkabel mit Standard IEC
The equipment is normally shipped with a power cable with a standard IEC Anschlussbuchse und einem Standard IEC Anschlussstecker geliefert.
moulded free socket on one end and a standard IEC moulded plug on the other. Sollten Sie den angeschweißten Stecker auswechseln müssen, entsorgen
If you are required to remove the moulded mains supply plug, dispose of the Sie diesen bitte umgehend. Die farbliche Belegung des Netzkabels ist wie folgt:
plug immediately in a safe manner. E=
Schutzleiter
E=
Schutzleiter
The colour code for the lead is as follows: E E GRÜN GELB E = Schutzleiter L= N= N= L=
Ce symbole indique qu'il peut y avoir des tensions électriques Éste símbolo indica que voltajes peligrosos están presentes en el interior.
à l'intérieur de l'appareil. Ne pas intervenir sans l'agrément No hay elementos accesibles al usuario dentro.
du service qualifié. Esta unidad sólo debería ser tratada por personal cualificado.
· Toujours s'assurer que l'unité est correctement alimentée, · Siempre asegurarse de que la unidad está propiamente conectada a
en particuliers à la liaison à la terre. tierra y que las conexiones de alimentación están hechas correctamente.
· La source électrique de cet équipement doit posséder une connexion · Este equipo debe ser alimentado desde un sistema de alimentación
à la terre , ainsi qu'une liaison « neutre » identifiable. con conexión a TIERRA y teniendo una conexión neutra fácilmente
identificable.
· La prise électrique qui alimente l'appareil doit être proche
de celle-ci et accessible. · La toma de alimentación para la unidad debe ser cercana y fácilmente
accesible.
Câble secteur de pays autres que les Etats-Unis Conexión de alimentación en otros países que no sean USA
L'équipement est livré avec un câble secteur au standard IEC, moulé El equipo es normalmente entregado con un cable de alimentación con un
mâle/femelle. enchufe hembra estándar IEC en un extremo y con una clavija estándar
Si vous souhaitez changr la prise mâle de votre cordon, voici les IEC en el otro. Si se requiere eliminar la clavija para sustituirla por otra,
codes couleurs des fils : disponer dicha clavija de una forma segura.
El código de color a emplear es como sigue: E E
Attention si l'appareil a 2 alimentations, s'assurer que les cordons Advertencia Si la unidad tuviera dos tomas de alimentación, asegurarse
! soient branchés sur la même phase. ! de que ambos cables de alimentación están conectados a la misma fase.
Questo simbolo indica che all'interno dell'apparato sono presenti Dette symbol indikerer farlig spænding inden i apparatet. Ingen bruger
tensioni pericolose. Non cercare di smontare l'unità. servicerbare dele i apparatet på brugerniveau.
Per qualsiasi tipo di intervento rivolgersi al personale qualificato. Dette apparat må kun serviceres af faglærte personer..
Attenzione: Sikkerhedsadvarsler
Le istruzioni relative alla manutenzione sono ad uso Serviceinstruktioner er kun til brug for faglærte
! ATTENZIONE esclusivo del personale qualificato. E' proibito all'utente
! FORSIGTIG ! servicefolk. For at reducere risikoen for elektrisk
eseguire qualsiasi operazione non esplicitamente stød må bruger kun udføre anvisninger i
RISCHIO DI SHOCK ELETTRICO RISIKO FOR ELEKTRISK STØD
NON CERCARE DI SMONTARE consentita nelle istruzioni. Per qualsiasi informazione DÆKPLADER MÅ IKKE FJERNES betjeningsmanualen.
L'UNITA PER QUALSIASI TIPO DI INGEN BRUGER SERVICERBARE
INTERVENTO RIVOLGERSI AL
rivolgersi al personale qualificato. DELE SERVICE MÅ KUN UDFØRES Al service skal udføres af faglærte personer.
PERSONALE QUALIFICATO AF FAGLÆRTE PERSONER
· Per prevenire il pericolo di scosse elettriche è necessario non esporre · For at reducere risikoen for elektrisk stød må apparatet ikke
mai l'apparecchiatura alla pioggia o a qualsiasi tipo di umidità. udsættes for regn eller fugt.
· Assicurarsi sempre, che l'unità sia propriamente messa a terra e che · Sørg altid for at apparatet er korrekt tilsluttet og jordet.
le connessioni elettriche siano eseguite correttamente.
· Dette apparat skal forbindes til en nettilslutning, der yder
· Questo dispositivo deve essere collegato ad un impianto elettrico BESKYTTENDE JORD og 0 forbindelse skal være tydeligt markeret.
dotato di un sistema di messa a terra efficace.
· Stikkontakten, som forsyner apparatet, skal være tæt på apparatet
· La presa di corrente deve essere vicina all'apparecchio og let tilgængelig.
e facilmente accessibile.
Connessione elettrica nei paesi diversi dagli Stati Uniti Nettilslutning i andre lande end USA
Udstyret leveres normalt med et strømkabel med et standard IEC støbt løst
L'apparecchiatura normalmente è spedita con cavo pressofuso con la presa
hunstik i den ene ende og et standard IEC støbt hanstik i den anden ende.
e spina standard IEC. Nel caso della rimozione della spina elettrica,
Hvis et af de støbte stik på strømkablet er defekt, skal det straks kasseres på
gettarla via immediatamente osservando tutte le precauzioni del caso.
forsvarlig vis. Farvekoden for lederen er som følger:
La leggenda dei cavi è la seguente:
Attenzione! Nel caso in cui l'apparecchio abbia due prese di corrente, Forsigtig Hvis enheden har to lysnetindgange, skal der sørges for at
! assicurarsi che i cavi non siano collegati a fasi diverse della rete elettrica.
! begge ledninger tilsluttes lystnetudgange fra den samme fase.
Denna symbol indikerar att livsfarlig spänning finns på insidan. Tämä merkki ilmoittaa, että laitteen sisällä on vaarallisen voimakas jännite.
Det finns inga servicevänliga delar inne i apparaten. Sisäpuolella ei ole mitään osia, joita käyttäjä voisi itse huoltaa.
Denna apparat få endast repareras av utbildad personal. Huollon saa suorittaa vain alan ammattilainen.
Säkerhetsvarningar
Turvaohjeita
Serviceinstruktioner som anges avser endast kvalificerad
! CAUTION och utbildad servicepersonal. För att minska risken för Huolto-ohjeet on tarkoitettu ainoastaan alan
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
elektrisk stöt, utför ingen annan service än den som
återfinns i medföljande driftinstruktionerna, om du ej är
! VAROITUS ammattilaisille. Älä suorita laitteelle muita
DO NOT REMOVE COVERS SÄHKÖISKUN VAARA ÄLÄ AVAA toimenpiteitä, kuin mitä käyttöohjeissa on
NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS LAITTEEN KANSIA EI SISÄLLÄ
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED behörig. Överlåt all service till kvalificerad personal. KÄYTTÄJÄLLE HUOLLETTAVIA neuvottu, ellet ole asiantuntija. Voit saada sähköiskun.
PERSONNEL ONLY OSIA HUOLTO AINOASTAAN
AMMATTILAISEN SUORITTAMANA
Jätä kaikki huoltotoimet ammattilaiselle.
· För att reducera risken för elektrisk stöt, utsätt inte apparaten för
regn eller fukt. · Sähköiskujen välttämiseksi suojaa laite sateelta ja kosteudelta.
· Se alltid till att apparaten är ordentligt jordad samt att strömtillförseln · Varmistu, että laite on asianmukaisesti maadoitettu ja että
är korrekt utförd. sähkökytkennät on tehty oikein.
· Denna apparat måste bli försörjd från ett strömsystem som är försedd · Laitteelle tehoa syöttävässä järjestelmässä tulee olla
med jordadanslutning samt ha en neutral anslutning som lätt identifierbar. SUOJAMAALIITÄNTÄ ja nollaliitännän on oltava luotettavasti
tunnistettavissa.
· Vägguttaget som strömförsörjer apparaten bör finnas i närheten samt
vara lätttillgänglig. · Sähköpistorasian tulee olla laitteen lähellä ja helposti tavoitettavissa.
Varning! Om enheten har två huvudsakliga elförsörjningar, säkerställ att Huom! Jos laitteessa on kaksi verkkojännitteen tuloliitäntää, niiden johdot
! båda strömkablarna som är inkopplade i enheten arbetar från samma fas.
! on liitettävä verkkopistorasioihin, joissa on sama vaiheistus.
Símbolos de Segurança P
O símbolo triangular adverte para a necessidade de consultar o
! manual antes de utilizar o equipamento ou efectuar qualquer ajuste.
Avisos de Segurança
As instruções de manutenção fornecidas são para
utilização de técnicos qualificados. Para reduzir o ! CAUTION
risco de choque eléctrico, não devem ser realizadas RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT REMOVE COVERS
intervenções no equipamento não especificadas no NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED
manual de instalações a menos que seja efectuadas PERSONNEL ONLY
1.3 For products with more than one power supply inlet
Caution! To reduce the risk of electric shock, plug each power supply cord into separate
branch circuits employing separate service grounds.
! CAUTION !
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO LIFT THE
UNIT USING THE HANDLES
ATTACHED TO THE FRONT PANEL.
Snell products are designed to meet or exceed the requirements of the appropriate European
EMC standards. In order to achieve this performance in real installations it is essential to use
cables and connectors with good EMC characteristics.
All signal connections (including remote control connections) shall be made with screened
cables terminated in connectors having a metal shell. The cable screen shall have a
large-area contact with the metal shell.
The unit is packed in a single cardboard box. The contents are as follows:
• Operator’s Manual CD
Information in this manual and software are subject to change without notice and does not
represent a commitment on the part of Snell Limited. The software described in this manual is
furnished under a license agreement and may not be reproduced or copied in any manner
without prior agreement with Snell Limited. or their authorized agents.
No part of this publication may be transmitted or reproduced in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and
retrieval system, without permission being granted, in writing, by the publishers or their
authorized agents.
3. Introduction
3.1 Description
The Alchemist Ph.C-HD's conversion quality is guaranteed through the utilization of the
company's Emmy® award-winning Ph.C motion measurement technology. Ph.C algorithms,
which have been continuously refined since the introduction of the first Alchemist Ph.C in
1992, have been optimized to prevent motion-related artifacts in high-definition video. The
resulting output images are clear, sharp and free from the motion artifacts commonly
associated with standards conversion.
With Alchemist Ph.C-HD, high-definition content including news, sports, live events and
entertainment programming can now be broadcast around the globe in multiple high-definition
standards and formats without degradation of image quality. Alchemist Ph.C-HD
automatically processes image movement to produce clear, smooth motion with the widest
range of input material on the largest HD vide displays.
Alchemist Ph.C-HD provides a complete one-box system solution that can easily integrate
into any broadcast facility. It features the ability to convert between all commonly used HD
broadcast standards and formats and has been architected to accommodate new standards
as they emerge, thus future-proofing the investment of customers. Alchemist Ph.C-HD is also
capable of cross conversion, up conversion, and down conversion of the same and different
frame rates, making it a truly universal conversion platform.
3.2 Features
• Compact 3RU size: practical for portable applications as well as mobiles, studio
installation and rental
• CleanCut: video cuts at the input appear as cuts at the output, maintaining the precise
look of the material
Signal Inputs
Serial digital 2 x 75 Ohm SD/HD Serial Digital with embedded audio (4 Groups)
Input Standards:
1.5 Gbit/s HD-SDI SMPTE292M/SMPTE299M
270M Mbit/s SD-SDI SMPTE259M
3Gbit/s HD - SDI SMPTE 424/425
Level A - mapping structure 1 (SMPTE 424/425)
Level B - SMPTE 372M
Dual link payload on a 3Gbit/s serial digital interface
Dual link 1.5Gbit/s SMPTE 372
Reference 2 x loop-through HDTV Trisync/SD Bisync (Black & Burst) SMPTE 240M/274M, with
auto selection dependant on output standard
Audio AES 8 channels unbalanced AES-3 via BNC connectors (75 Ohm)
Signal Outputs
Serial digital primary 2 x 75 Ohm SD/HD Serial Digital (Output A) with embedded audio (4 Groups)
(Output A) Output Standards:
1.5 Gbit/s HD-SDI SMPTE292M/SMPTE299M
270M Mbit/s SD-SDI SMPTE259M
3Gbit/s HD - SDI SMPTE 424/425
Level A - mapping structure 1 (SMPTE 424/425)
Level B - SMPTE 372M
Dual link payload on a 3Gbit/s serial digital interface
Dual link 1.5Gbit/s SMPTE 372
Serial digital 2 x 75 Ohm SD/HD Serial Digital (Output B) with embedded audio (4 Groups)
secondary (Output B) Output Standards:
1.5 Gbit/s HD-SDI
SMPTE292M/SMPTE299M
270M Mbit/s SD-SDI
3Gbit/s HD - SDI SMPTE 424/425
Level A - mapping structure 1 (SMPTE 424/425)
Level B - SMPTE 372M
Dual link payload on a 3Gbit/s serial digital interface
Dual link 1.5Gbit/s SMPTE 372
Audio AES 8 channels unbalanced AES-3 via BNC connectors (75 Ohm)
Control Functions
Pattern Enable/Disable
100% Bars, Tartan, Sweep, 75% Bars, Pluge, Pulse & Bar, SMPTE Bars, Ramp, Burst
Freeze On/Off
Monochrome On/Off
Conversion Functions
Ph.C area 5 user-definable keys with overlays to define active and inactive areas
CleanCut™ On/Off
F1/F2/Any
Aperture Presets for Sharp, Normal and Anti-Alias (can be fine-tuned using Anti-Alias controls)
Audio Functions
Tone On/Off, 1KHz -20dBFS, 4KHz -20dBFS, 1KHz -18dBFS, 4KHz -18dBFS
Mono On/Off
Mute On/Off
Pair Audio Delay Audio delay for each pair can be adjusted independently
SD Source
HD Source
Output A
Output B
SD VITC
SD Activate
HD Activate
Timecode Control
Input Trigger Set from Input timecode or the timecode entry window
Synchro & Freerun modes
Output A Load Set from Input timecode or the timecode entry window
Synchro & Freerun modes
Output B Load Set from Input timecode or the timecode entry window
Synchro & Freerun modes
Mode Synchro Auto, Snychro Prerun, Synchro Manual, E-E, E-E Regen, Freerun, Trigger
Load
Auto Cadence defined by internal sequence detector unless PsF standard is detected
2:2 F1/2 (PsF) Incoming content interpreted as 2:2 F1/2 (PsF) cadence
2:3 TC Datum Incoming content interpreted as continuous 2:3 cadence derived from continuous input
time code by identifying the specific 2:3 frame type and timecode of an input datum
frame
2:3 TC 0 and 5 Incoming content interpreted as continuous 2:3 cadence defined by a specific
relationship to the frame count of non-drop frame input timecode
2:3 Freerun Incoming content interpreted as continuous 2:3 cadence derived from an internal free
running 2:3 cadence generator.
2:2 F1/2 (PsF) Outgoing content is generated with 2:2 F1/2 (PsF) cadence
2:3 TC Datum Outgoing content is generated with continuous 2:3 cadence derived from continuous
output timecode by identifying the specific 2:3 frame type and timecode of an output
datum frame
2:3 TC 0 and 5 Outgoing content is generated with continuous 2:3 cadence defined by a specific
relationship to the frame count of non-drop frame timecode
2:3 Freerun Outgoing content is generated with continuous 2:3 cadence derived from an internal
free-running 2:3 cadence generator
Mode
Film Aperture
Normal Maximizes vertical resolution from incoming film material. Optimum for most
applications
Sharp Maximum possible vertical resolution, less tolerant of film sequence detection errors
Video Enable On: Allows the sequence detector to positively identify content as 1:1 (video)
Off: The sequence detector will not identify video
Film Enable
2:2 Forces the sequence detector to identify film as 2:2 cadence only
2:3 Forces the sequence detector to identify film as 2:3 cadence only
Off The sequence detector will not identify any content as film
Window Control Allows sequence and cut detection to be restricted to specific areas of the image.
Settings are:
• Auto
• Track Input Blanking
• User (Defined by User window slider controls)
Window Overlay Enables an overlay that permits adjustment of the sequence cut/detection region.
Settings are:
• Off
• Darken
• Greyed
Dolby®E (Option)
Processing
Map AES monitor Enables automatic assignment of decoded dolby E audio (co-timed with video)
BLITS generator Line up tone system for use with 5.1 surround formats
Controls (Output)
Status
Messages Booting, System OK, Fan Fail, Diagnostics Active, System Overheating, PSU Fault,
Version Unknown
System Functions
RollCall Unit ID, Unit Name, Log Server Name, RollTracks (1-8), Log Items.
Setup Shaped Horizontal Blanking (On/Off), Active Line Length (On/Off), Analog Blanking
(On/Off), Auto AES re-align, Minimum Delay
Memory Functions
Power
Communications
SNMP Ethernet
Mechanical
Weight Approximately 20 kg
4. Installation
• Operator’s Manual CD
Unpack the box carefully and check for any shortages or shipping damage. Report any
shortages or shipping damage to Snell immediately.
Retain the packaging as this must be used in the event that the unit is returned to Snell.
The Alchemist Ph.C-HD unit weighs more than 18 kg. Appropriate manual handling
precautions should be taken when lifting the unit.
To remove the transit bar, open the front panel and remove the two screws and the transit bar,
as shown in the diagram below.
The transit bar must be in place before transporting the Alchemist Ph.C-HD. Failure to do
so may result in damage to the unit.
If you remove the transit bar to install the unit in an enclosure, ensure that you retain the
transit bar and screws.
PSU LEDs
For dual redundancy operation both power supplies must be powered up and functioning. The
unit will work correctly with only one supply operating but would not have dual redundancy
under those conditions.
To reduce the risk of electric shock, plug each power supply cord into separate branch
circuits employing separate service grounds.
4.4 Environment
Although constructed to meet the normal environmental requirements, it is important that
there is a free flow of air at the front, rear and left side to dissipate the heat produced during
operation. Installations should be designed to allow for this.
The ventilation holes on the rear of the unit must not be obscured or damage to the
equipment may result.
If the unit is to be rack mounted, first open the front panel (detailed above). The fixing “ears”
behind the panel will be revealed and the unit can be mounted in the rack.
The Alchemist Ph.C-HD unit weighs more than 18 kg. Appropriate manual handling
precautions should be taken when lifting the unit.
Under no circumstances should the grip handles be used to lift the Alchemist Ph.C-HD
unit.
• Do not press or scratch the display using any object with a sharp edge or end.
• Do not use or store the product under a condition where it will be exposed to after,
organic solution or acid.
• Clean with a soft cloth or a soft cloth with a neutral detergent or alcohol. When
contaminated by chemicals wipe them off immediately with caution so as to not to
cause injury to the human body.
• The LCD Polarizer is made of a soft material and must be handled carefully.
• Wipe off water drops or finger grease immediately. Long term contact with water may
cause discoloration or spots.
• The TFT-LCD module incorporates glass that may break or crack if abused. Please
handle with care.
• Do not expose the module to direct sunlight or intense ultraviolet rays for long periods.
• If LCD panel breaks, liquid crystal may escape from the panel. Avoid contact with the
eyes or mouth. If the liquid crystal comes in contact with any part of the body or
clothes it should be washed off immediately with soap and water.
4.6 Connections
All the connectors are mounted on the rear of the unit, and are appropriately annotated.
4.6.1 Inputs
Two pairs of loop-through BNC connectors for 75 Ohms are provided that may be connected
to external sources of reference signals.
These are the eight AES inputs via BNC connectors for 75 Ohms.
4.6.1.4 LTC IN
A standard Longitudinal Time Code signal may be connected to this XLR connector.
This input requires a mating male locking XLR connector. To remove the connector the
release tab must be pushed in.
4.6.2 Outputs
SDI Outputs
These are the eight AES outputs via BNC connectors for 75 Ohms.
Control
10/100
4.6.3.1 ROLLNET
The unit can be controlled via RollCall using the BNC connector, the Remote RS-422 9-way
D-type connector, and Ethernet (control 10/100).
4.6.3.2 RS422
The unit can be controlled via RollCall using the D-Type connector.
1 Ground
6 Tx signal
common
4 Rx signal
common
9 Ground
5 Spare
This RJ45 connector socket allows the unit to be connected to the RollCall 32-bit control
panel via an Ethernet connection.
4.6.3.4 GPI
The General Purpose Interfaces (GPIs) are accessed via a 25-way D-type female connector.
In the table GPI refers to inputs and GPO refers to outputs.
Pin Function
2 GPI 0 Signal
14 GPI 0 Return
3 GPI 1 Signal
15 GPI 1 Return
4 GPI 2 Signal
16 GPI 2 Return
5 GPI 3 Signal
17 GPI 3 Return
6 GPI 4 Signal
18 GPI 4 Return
7 GPI 5 Signal
19 GPI 5 Return
8 GPO 4 Signal
20 GPO 4 Return
9 GPO 5 Signal
21 GPO 5 Return
10 GPO 0 Signal
22 GPO 0 Return
11 GPO 1 Signal
23 GPO 1 Return
12 GPO 2 Signal
24 GPO 2 Return
13 GPO 3 Signal
25 GPO 3 Return
1 Ground
4.6.3.5 GPI Connector Pin Numbers (D-type female connector on the unit)
(DC/AC peak)
The GPI provides contact closure tally outputs that can be used to turn on lamps etc.
Note: On a standard machine when delivered, GPI inputs 0–5 select machine memories 1–6 and
GPI outputs 0–5 provide tally outputs indicating which memory is selected.
4.7 Headphones
On the front panel is a 1/4” headphone jack socket. The headphones can be used to monitor
decoded PCM.
5.1 Overview
At start-up, the Home screen appears displaying a block diagram of the unit’s current
functionality and details of current selections.
Items highlighted in yellow indicate that the control setting has been changed from its default
value.
All operational parameters and selections can be made by touching items on the screen.
Settings can be changed using scroll bars or by using the spinwheel.
• Touching the Back button returns the display to the previously selected screen.
• Touching the Home button returns the display to the Home screen from any stage in
the menu hierarchy.
Similarly, if there is a minor problem with a function, the color of the item on the Home screen
will change from a blue background to an orange background.
Note: If a control setting has been changed from the default or preset value, the function will
appear highlighted in yellow on this screen.
Note: When the panel is locked, functions may still be selected but settings cannot be changed.
This condition is indicated by the items appearing dimmed.
5.5 Timeout
The panel will automatically lock after a timeout period and the dialog box shown below will
appear.
Touch Unlock to unlock the panel or Cancel to leave the panel locked.
• The spinwheel. This allows the last selected control (highlighted green) to be
adjusted.
When the direct Value Entry function is activated, a numerical keypad will be displayed.
Values may be entered by touching the numbers on the keypad. This value will be shown in a
box at the top right of the keypad area.
• OK enters the value and removes the keypad from the screen.
• Cancel removes the keypad from the screen without accepting the value.
• Video Menus: The Video Menus are used to configure and control the unit’s video
functions. For more information, see page 34.
• Audio Menus: The Audio Menus are used to configure and control the unit’s audio
and Dolby E functions. For more information, see page 61.
• Status Display: The Status display, on the unit’s Home screen, displays messages
and warnings about the unit’s state and provides basic information about the settings
and functions. For more information, see page 107.
• System: The System screen is used to control the unit’s RollCall setup, configure the
touch panel, and provides informational and diagnostic tools. For more information,
see page 106.
• Memory: The Memory screen is used to store system configurations so that they can
be recalled later. For more information, see page 120.
• Timecode Tab: The Timecode tab provides access to the menus used to configure
and control the unit’s timecode functions. For more information, see page 79.
• FilmTools Tab: The FilmTools tab provides access to the menus used to configure
and control the unit’s film conversion functions. For more information, see page 87.
• VANC Tab: The VANC tab provides access the menus used to control vertical
ancillary blanking. For more information, see page 98.
• Input: Use these settings to specify the input source, input, actions that the unit
should take upon signal loss and the input blanking settings. See “Input” on page 35.
• Conversion: Use these settings to enable or disable the Ph.C and CleanCut
features, specify Aperture settings, and to set up Ph.C areas that can be used, for
example, to protect transparent logos. See “Conversion” on page 38.
• Aspect Control: Use these settings to define the input aspect ratio, select preset
output aspect ratios, and to perform custom aspect ratio adjustments. See “Aspect
Control” on page 42.
• Proc Amp: Use these settings to adjust image gain and black level, enhance the
image, and apply alias suppression and noise reduction. See “Proc Amp” on page 50.
• Output A & Output B: Use these settings to define the output standards, colorimetry
settings, output border settings, output blanking, and to change the output names if
desired. See “Output A and Output B” on page 53.
• Reference: Use these settings to enable and specify the source of the reference
signal, and to adjust the relative timing of the reference signal to the output signal.
See “Reference” on page 57.
• Utilities: Use these settings to enable a test pattern, specify the test pattern to be
displayed, freeze the output picture, display the output as a monochrome image, and
configure gamut legalization. See “Utilities” on page 58.
Video
Aspect
Processing Control Output A&
Input Utilities Proc Amp Reference
(Conversion) Output B
Source Pattern Enable Ph.C Output A and Gain Output Standard Reference Enable
Output B Mode
Standard Pattern Type Clean Cut Colorimetry Reference Source
Black Level
Manual ARC
On Loss Freeze Aperture Settings Enhance Border Horizontal Timing
Blanking Monochrome Ph.C Area Forced Memory Alias Output Blanking Vertical Timing
Suppresion
Legalizer Display Memory Output Name
Setup Noise
Reduction
5.8.1 Input
When Input is selected, the Input screen appears. Use this screen to specify the input signal
options.
5.8.1.1 Source
This allows either SDI A or SDI B to be selected as the input signal for the unit.
5.8.1.2 Standard
To view the input standard, touch Select. The unit automatically detects the input standard.
The standards that the unit can detect are displayed
Note: If a standard is not available it will appear grayed-out. For example, if the FilmTools option
has not been purchased, or has not been enabled, the standards related to film-based
input cannot be selected.
Note: If the unit does not recognize the input standard, it will report an input loss or error.
5.8.1.3 On Loss
This specifies the action the Alchemist will take in the event of an input loss.
• Auto (default): Using the SPMTE352 payload identification present in Dual Link the
Alchemist will automatically correct when the input links are crossed over. If the
payload is not present, no action is taken.
When the crossover feature is in effect (via Auto or ON) a crossover symbol will be present
within the Input section of the home screen.
5.8.1.5 Colorimetry
The Colorimetry function controls the color space conversion standard of the input signal. To
specify the Colorimetry setting, touch Select and in the dialog box that appears, choose one
of the following options:
Auto The most appropriate color space conversion for the signal is selected,
as determined from the definition of the output video standard.
5.8.1.6 Blanking
The Blanking function allows the adjustment of input blanking. It is used where the source
video is known to have pixels/lines at the edge of the picture that are not required to be
displayed. When set, the unit will blank any output data generated by the input data,
regardless of the display control settings.
Right Adjusts the right-hand edge of blanking. A value equal to the number of
active pixels per line in the current input standard indicates that no input
pixels that are normally visible should be blanked. Subtracting 1 from
this causes the last input pixel to be blanked, etc.
Top Adjusts the top edge of blanking. A setting of 1 indicates that no input
lines that are normally visible should be blanked, 2 causes the first
input line to be blanked, etc.
Bottom Adjusts the bottom edge of blanking. A value equal to the number of
active pixels per line in the current input standard indicates that no input
lines that are normally visible should be blanked. Subtracting 1 from
this causes the last input line to be blanked, etc.
5.8.2 Conversion
When Conversion is selected, the screen shown below is displayed. This function allows
conversion options to be selected.
5.8.2.2 FilmTools
On enables the FilmTools options and Off disables the FilmTools options.
For more information about FilmTools, see “FilmTools” on page 86 and “Appendix D:
FilmTools” on page 144.
5.8.2.3 Aperture
The Aperture settings are provided to maximize vertical resolution without introducing alias.
The optimal Aperture setting is dependant on the quality of the source and the conversion
being performed. For example, down converting sharp HD content to SD demands greater
care with setup than an HD to HD cross conversion.
Each Aperture can be fine tuned using the Alias Suppression control. See “Alias
Suppression” on page 51.
For each channel (A or B), the following Aperture adjustments can be made:
• Sharp preserves the most vertical resolution from the input pictures.
5.8.2.4 CleanCut
Note: When the FilmTools option is enabled, the CleanCut concept of forcing a cut on field one or
field two is not necessarily applicable.
CleanCut ensures no interpolation occurs between images either side of a cut. Under
extreme circumstances, it may be necessary to disable CleanCut should a false cut be
detected.
Any Field Cuts are Output on the closest Output field boundary to the detected
input cut.
Field 1 Only Cuts are restricted such that the first field of a new scene always begins
on a field one.
Field 2 Only Cuts are restricted such that the first field of a new scene always begins
on a field two.
When configuring the Alchemist Ph.C to use both interlaced and progressive Outputs, two
factors must be considered when setting CleanCut options:
• Output A is always the primary Output and Output B is always the secondary Output.
When both interlaced and progressive Outputs are required, and field-specific cuts are
required on the interlaced Output, Output A must be interlaced and Output B progressive. If
the Outputs are configured the other way around, there is no way of ensuring that cuts will
occur on the correct field.
The table below illustrates the relationships between Primary/Secondary Outputs, the
selected CleanCut mode, and the resulting cuts.
In instances where the input and Output are both interlaced, and of the same frame rate, the
Alchemist Ph.C-HD functions as a frame synchronizer.
If interlaced Output (in which the unit functions as a frame synchronizer) and progressive
Output are both required, the interlaced Output should be set to Output A and the progressive
Output should be set to Output B. If configured the other way it cannot be guaranteed that
input dominance will be maintained.
Frame
Primary (A) Secondary (B)
Synchronization
i i
9
i P
9
P i x
P P x
Selecting Ph.C Area on the Conversion screen reveals the Ph.C Area screen.
The controls on the Ph.C Area screen allow Ph.C motion compensation to be disabled on
certain areas of the image. Typical applications for this feature include protecting static
computer generated captions overlaid onto dynamic sports coverage, or very small, low
contrast, or transparent logos in front of dynamic action.
This is done by specifying an active area and/or an inactive area of the image. The inactive
area, when Enabled, is converted linearly. Any region outside the active area, if Enabled, will
also be converted linearly. The remainder of the image will be converted using Ph.C motion
compensation. To assist set up, a colored Overlay may be activated.
Up to five Key areas can be specified. These Key areas are numbered in ascending priority.
That is, Key 2 has priority over Key 1, and so on. If two Keys overlap, the action specified for
the area with the higher priority occurs.
Example source with dynamic video and logo. Colored overlay after adjustment to convert the
source shown on the right.
Select Key To select a Key, press the corresponding Key button (Key 1 to Key 5).
After selecting the Key, use the Key Controls to set up the Key area.
Reset All Press Reset All Keys to return all of the Keys to their default settings.
Keys
Key Control When the Enable option is selected, the Key area is enabled and can
be adjusted.
When the Active option is selected, the Key area will use
motion-compensated conversion, and the Key overlay, if displayed, will
appear in green. When it is not selected, the Key area will use linear
conversion, and the Key overlay, if displayed, will appear in red.
Use the slider controls (Left Edge, Right Edge, Top Edge, and
Bottom Edge) to adjust the size and position of the selected Key area.
Press Reset Key to return the selected Key to its default settings,
leaving the other Keys unchanged.
Background When the Active option is selected, the background area uses Ph.C
motion compensated conversion, and the background overlay, if
displayed, appears in green. When the Active option is not selected,
the background area uses linear conversion, and the background
overlay, if displayed, appears in red.
Keys in use This line displays the Keys that are currently in use. When a Key is in
use, its name is displayed in the color that corresponds to its Select
Key button. When a Key is not in use its name is displayed in black.
Key n This line displays the following information about the currently selected
key:
For both Output A and Output B, the Aspect Ratio Conversion mode is selected from the
following modes.
The Forced and Auto modes offer a means to select one of the four preconfigured display
memories. Each display memory stores size, tilt, pan and an SMPTE 2016 code. Each
display memory has a default configuration that can be reconfigured as required
.
Manual This mode allows the ARC settings to be manually adjusted. Touch
Manual ARC Settings to access the manual ARC controls
Forced This mode forces the display memory specified on the Forced Memory
screen to be used. The settings for the Forced Memories are specified
on the Display Memory Setup screen.
Auto This mode automatically recalls the relevant display memory based in
(Format) the Input/Output selection.
The aspect ratio conversion performed by the Alchemist Ph.C-HD is determined by several
interrelated factors:
The available input aspect ratio options are determined by the current input standard. Only
those aspect ratios that are appropriate to the input standard will be displayed.
To specify the input aspect ratio, touch the button that corresponds to the actual input aspect
ratio.
In turn, the selected input aspect ratio will determine the output aspect ratio options that are
available for selection.
Note that if the input standard is changed, the possible input aspect ratios will also change
and the input aspect ratio will need to be reselected.
The available output aspect ratio conversions are determined by the selected input aspect
ratio and the current output standard. Only those common aspect ratio conversions that are
appropriate to both are displayed.
To specify the output aspect ratio, touch the button that corresponds to the desired output
aspect ratio.
After selecting the output aspect ratio, the slider bars on the right are automatically adjusted
to achieve the desired aspect ratio conversion.
Note: If the input standard, selected input aspect ratio, or output standard is changed, the
possible output aspect ratio options will also change and the output aspect ratio will need
to be reselected.
After the input and output aspect ratios have been set, these controls will have been
automatically adjusted to achieve the desired conversion. However, it is possible to adjust
aspect ratio conversion using these controls. For example, after selecting the aspect ratio
conversion, the output image could be slightly overscanned by adjusting the size control.
Size This adjusts the size of the whole image. Both vertical and horizontal
size change together while maintaining the aspect ratio of the image.
The range of control is from 40% to 200% in 0.01% steps.
Pan This adjusts the horizontal position of the output image. The range of
control is ±75% in 0.01% steps.
Asp This adjusts the horizontal size of the image, allowing the shape
(aspect ratio) of the output image to be changed. The range of control
is from 50% to 150% in 0.01% steps.
Tilt This adjusts the vertical position of the output image. The range of
control is ±75% in 0.01% steps.
Note: If manual changes are made to the aspect ratio adjustments, they will be retained after the
unit has been turned off. However, if a new fixed mode is selected they will be lost. If
adjustments are made, store the setup in a user memory so that it can be recalled later.
When Transition Control is selected, the screen shown below is displayed. These controls
are used to define the temporal control of a slewed transition. The profile is illustrated
graphically on the front panel’s button.
Slew On/Off
Transition Control
Absolute The aspect ratio change will occur over the period defined by the Slew
Duration control.
Proportional The aspect ratio change will occur over the period defined by the Slew
Duration control after scaling by the magnitude of the aspect ratio
change.
Slew Duration
This control defines the time it takes for a slewed transition to occur. The duration can be
defined in fields or seconds according to the Slew Duration Units control.
The actual duration of the transition between different aspect ratios also depends on the Slew
Duration Mode control.
Slew Profile
(Linear)
The slew's rate of change ramps up from zero at the beginning and
down to zero to the end with maximum rate of change in the middle.
(Standard
S-Curve)
The selections on the Forced Memory screen allow the display memory that will be used
when in the Aspect Control mode is Forced. These display memories are configured on the
Display Memory Setup screen.
The Display Memory Setup screen allows the display memories to be configured. Each
display memory has a default configuration, but this configuration can be changed as
required.
Default Settings
Touch Select to choose the display memory to be shown and, if required, modified.
Preset Resets the Size, Pan, Asp, and Tilt settings to their preset values.
Size: 100%
Pan: 0.00%
Asp: 100%
Tilt: 0.00%
Preview Allows the user to preview the ARC adjustments being made.
AFD Code Click Select to choose the desired 4 bit coded frame.
5.8.4.1 Gain
When Gain is selected, the screen shown below is displayed, where the luminance,
chrominance and black level settings can be adjusted.
5.8.4.2 Enhance
When Enhance is selected, the screen shown below is displayed. This controls the amount of
detail enhancement that may be applied.
Horiz(ontal) This adjusts the levels of high frequency horizontal information to make
the output pictures appear sharper. The enhancer range is 0 to 100% in
1% steps and the default value is 0.
Vert(ical) This controls the amount of detail processing in the vertical filters. The
enhancer adjusts the levels of high frequency vertical information to
make the output pictures appear sharper. The enhancer range is 0 to
100% in 1% steps and the default value is 0.
Horiz(ontal) This works in sympathy with the Aperture control and allows the user to
suppress horizontal alias in the output picture. The range of adjustment
is -50 to +50 and the default value is 0.
Vert(ical) This works in sympathy with the Aperture control and allows the user to
suppress vertical alias in the output picture. The range of adjustment is
-50 to +50 and the default value is 0.
When Noise Reduction is selected, the screen shown below is displayed. The controls on
this screen enable various amounts of noise reduction to be applied to the signal. By default,
noise reduction is not enabled. For more information, see “Appendix A: Noise Reduction” on
page 121.
Y Strength This adjusts the amount of noise reduction applied to the luminance
signal. The range of adjustment is from 30 to 0 in steps of 1. The preset
value is 0.
C Strength This adjusts the amount of noise reduction applied to the chrominance
signal. The range of adjustment is from 30 to 0 in steps of 1. The preset
value is 0.
Weight When the source material is biased towards white or black, this setting
enables noise reduction to be concentrated on the whites or blacks.
Split Screen Select Split Screen to display a split screen view of the output image.
One side of the screen displaying the image without noise reduction
applied, and the other side showing the image with noise reduction
applied.
The Luma Strength, Chroma Strength, and Weight settings are independent of, and have no
effect on, the overlay.
This allows the required output format to be chosen. After selection this format will be
displayed in the Output Standard box.
Output B must be of the same frame rate as specified for Output A. When selecting the
Output B standard, the available choices are determined by the Output A standard. For
example, if 1080 59i is selected as the Output A standard, only 525 59i, 1080 59i, 1080 59P
and 720 59P may be selected as the Output B standard.
5.8.5.2 Colorimetry
This function controls the color space conversion that is applied to the signal.
To specify the Colorimetry setting, touch Select and in the dialog box that appears, choose
one of the following options:
Auto The most appropriate color space conversion for the signal is selected,
as determined from the definition of the output video standard.
VANC output can be enabled and disabled independently for output A and output B.
• Level B: 3Gbit/s SMPTE424/425, Level B SMPTE 372 Dual Link payload (SMPTE274
1920x1080 4:2:2 10bit)
• Dual Link: Dual Link 1.5Gbit/s SMPTE372 (SMPTE274 1920x1080 4:2:2 10bit)
5.8.5.5 Border
This screen allows the user to adjust the appearance of any blanking border around the active
picture. By default, the color of any border around the active picture is black. However, the
user can adjust this to any desired color.
The border color is controlled by adjusting the amount of Red (R), Green (G) and Blue (B) in
the border. The RGB values are displayed as 10-Bit digital video levels.
The default value for all the border colors is 64, which produces a black border. Note also that
when the border is enabled and its color adjusted away from black then there is often a black
band between the active picture and the color border.
This occurs when the active picture does not completely fill the digital active line length of the
input standard. To remove this black band the input blanking should be adjusted via the
Input-Active menus to match the blanking of the incoming program material.
To activate the border, select Enable. If the border is not enabled then it will appear black
regardless of the settings of the red, green and blue border values.
This function allows the adjustment of output blanking. It is used where the source video is
known to have pixels/lines at the edge of the picture that are not required to be displayed.
When set, the machine will blank any output data generated by the input data, regardless of
the display control settings.
Left This adjusts the left-hand edge of blanking. A setting of 1 indicates that
no input pixels that are normally visible should be blanked, 2 causes
the first input pixel to be blanked, etc.
Right This adjusts the right-hand edge of blanking. A value equal to the
number of active pixels per line in the current input standard indicates
that no input pixels that are normally visible should be blanked.
Subtracting 1 from this causes the last input pixel to be blanked, etc.
Top Adjusts the top edge of blanking. A setting of 1 indicates that no input
lines that are normally visible should be blanked, 2 causes the first
input line to be blanked, etc.
Bottom Adjusts the bottom edge of blanking. A value equal to the number of
active pixels per line in the current input standard indicates that no input
lines that are normally visible should be blanked. Subtracting 1 from
this causes the last input line to be blanked, etc.
To change the name of the output, select the Edit item and use the keyboard to edit the text.
Select OK to enable the new name.
Note: This name will replace the name appearing on all other screens.
5.8.6 Reference
When Reference is selected, the screen shown below is displayed.
This allows the genlock function to be turned ON or OFF. When Enable is checked the unit
will genlock to the selected reference source.
When Enable is unchecked the unit will ignore any reference signals and will be in the
free-run mode.
Auto When reference source is set to Auto, the system will look at each of
the reference inputs and pick the one most appropriate to the current
output standard. This process is triggered by one of two events; either
Auto has just been selected, or the output standard has changed.
Once the reference has been picked the system will continue to use
that reference until another trigger event occurs.
Ref A Forces the unit to operate from the external reference A input.
Ref B Forces the unit to operate from the external reference B input.
Horizontal This allows the horizontal timing of the reference signal to be adjusted.
Timing
Vertical This allows the vertical timing of the reference signal to be adjusted.
Timing
5.8.7 Utilities
When the Utilities item is selected, the screen shown below is displayed.
When checked, the selected output will become the pattern chosen by the Pattern Type
function.
To choose the pattern for the Channel A or Channel B output, touch Select. The available
pattern types are:
5.8.7.3 Freeze
To freeze the output, touch Select, and in the window dialog that appears, touch Frame
Freeze. To un-freeze the picture, touch Off.
5.8.7.4 Monochrome
5.8.7.6 Legalisation
Gamut legalisation ensures that both the HD and SD outputs of the unit meet specified color
limits. Touch Legalisation to enable or specify a legalisation selection.
700mV RGB Lo 0mV, RGB Hi 700mV, will comply with area mask set to 1% or
greater.
721mV RGB Lo -21mV, RGB Hi 721mV, will comply with area mask set to 0%
or greater.
735mV RGB Lo -35mV, RGB Hi 735mV, will comply with area mask set 0% or
greater.
Area mask defines the percentage of total pixels in the image that may be out of gamut
without reporting that the signal has a RGB gamut error.
Note: The 735mV selection should be used in conjunction with the luma clipper (set at presets) to
generate images that adhere to EBU R103-200 specification.
For more information about legalisation, see “Appendix C: RGB Legalizer and Luma Clipper”
on page 141.
When luminance levels are too high or too low devices such as encoders and displays can
have problems. The luma clipper is used to limit signals above and below predefined limits.
Minimum and maximum limits can be set, in addition a knee allows for a graduated transition
to the limit.
White Max This sets up the upper limit (hard clip point) of the clipper. The range is
minimum 90% (852 digital 10-bit value) to maximum 109% (1019) with
increments of 1%. Preset is 103% (966).
White Knee This sets up the knee for the maximum white limit of the clipper. This
can be set up to give a “soft clip” from this knee point to the hard white
clip point. The range is minimum 60% (590) to maximum 109% (1019)
with increments of 1%. Preset is 100% (940).
Black Min This sets up the lower limit (hard clip point) of the clipper. The range is
minimum -7% (4) to maximum 10% (152) with increments of 1%.
Preset is -1% (55).
Black Knee This sets up the knee for the minimum black limit of the clipper. This
can be set up to give a “soft clip” from this knee point to the hard black
clip point. The range is minimum -7% (4) to maximum 60% (590) with
increments of 1%. Preset is 0% (64).
Note: Luma clipper preset values configure the clipper to meet luma limits as specified by EBU
R103-200.
To achieve a hard white clip set the White Max and White Knee to the same value. Similarly
to achieve a hard black clip set the Black Min and the Black knee to the same value.
For more information about the luma clipper, see “Appendix C: RGB Legalizer and Luma
Clipper” on page 141.
• Audio Display Tab: The Audio display tab shows audio input / output status/ Dolby
source and types and the Dolby program configuration. See “Audio Display Tab” on
page 63.
• Audio Control: The Audio Control page provides access to the main audio setup and
Dolby E configuration pages and allow the unit’s overall audio delay to be set. See
“Audio Control” on page 65.
• Dolby Decoder: The Dolby Decoder menu allows the Alchemist’s Dolby decoding
functions to be configured. See “Dolby Decoder” on page 68.
• Dolby Encoder: The Dolby Encoder menu allows the Alchemist’s Dolby encoding
functions to be configured. See “Dolby Encoder” on page 70.
• Audio Output: The Audio Output menus allow you to configure the unit’s Audio Out-
put settings. See “Audio Output” on page 73.
For additional information about the Alchemist Ph.C-HD’s audio processing and Dolby E
functions, see “Appendix E: Dolby E Authoring” on page 171.
Global Audio
Audio Tab
Delay Control
Audio Home
Encoder
Transcoding
Tones
Audio Delay Pair
Enable/
Offset Mono
Selection
Tones
Metadata
Source
Map
Select
For additional information about the Alchemist Ph.C-HD’s audio processing and Dolby E
functions, see “Appendix E: Dolby E Authoring” on page 171.
Out Src These indicators display the audio output pair status.
Dolby 1 / This indicates the input source that is routed to the respective Dolby
Dolby 2 Source channel decoder.
Dolby 1 / This indicates the bitstream format that is being routed to the
Dolby 2 Source respective Dolby channel decoder.
Type
• Green indicates a valid Dolby E or Dolby D signal.
Dolby 1 / This displays the Dolby program configuration being routed to the
Dolby 2 respective Dolby channel decoder.
Configuration
Audio Control These 'out of preset' status indicators warn the user when the
Status individual audio controls are adjusted from their preset values.
Global Delay Use the slider to adjust the global audio delay. The offset value is
displayed in milliseconds.
The top level audio control menu presents a combination of general audio and Dolby
configuration. Each Dolby channel consists of a dedicated Dolby®E encoder and decoder
module. The availability of the control interface depends on the hardware installed.
Note: When the Dolby card is NOT installed inputs which have not
been routed to the output will remain grayed out.
Dolby Touch the Dolby Decoder 1 / Dolby Decoder 2 area on the screen to
Decoder 1 / access the Dolby Decoder setup page.
Dolby
Decoder 2
Dolby Touch Dolby Encoder area on the screen to access the Dolby
Encoder 1 / encoder setup page.
Dolby
Encoder 2 Note: When in transcode mode, a Transcoding indicator is shown at
the Audio control level.
Outputs Touch each of the audio output tabs to access the individual output
setup pages.
EMB A /
EMB B and AES can be configured to follow routing selections made
EMB B / on EMB A.
AES
The input alignment needs to be selected based upon what devices are
upstream from the Alchemist.
Decoder This indicates the current Dolby Format, Program Configuration and bit
Metadata depth.
Decoded metadata associated to each valid program may be viewed using the tabs.
Note: Alchemist only presents the programs that are available for the current Dolby program
configuration.
Eight Metadata Snapshots are available to store decoded Metadata and/or Authored
Metadata. Each Snapshot can store metadata from one program and may be applied to either
Dolby Encoder.
Touch Select to change the current Snapshot configuration. To capture the current Decoder
metadata, select the desired program and touch Store.
Decoded
Channels
Downmix This allows the user to specify the downmix mode available from the
Mode 5th Auxiliary output of the Dolby decoder.
Downmix This allows the users to specify which program the Downmix is
Program generated from.
Selection
Encoder Touch the channel source selection menu item to assign inputs to the
Inputs encoder.
Note: The selected channel will return to its default value. Other
channels configured to track this channel will maintain their relative
level.
Note: The total audio delay will be displayed on the output Audio
Channel Control page.
Bit Depth Touch Bit Depth to specify 20 bit or 16 bit encoding. The default is 20
bit.
Note: This control is only available if the 1080P option is installed and
Encoder Mode is set to Author. (In Transcode mode the metadata is
sourced directly from the decoder).
This page indicates the current Encoder Metadata configuration. Encoded metadata
associated to each valid program can be viewed using the tabs.
To change the current setting for the selected parameter, touch the Select button.
The current selection within the full metadata table is indicated by the yellow marker.
Eight Metadata Snapshots are available to store decoded Metadata and/or Authored
Metadata. Each Snapshot can store metadata from one program and may be applied to either
Dolby Encoder. The Snapshot may be renamed. See “Metadata Workflow” on page 181.
Touch Select to change the current Snapshot configuration. To capture the current encoder
metadata, select the desired program and touch Store.
To load a previously saved Snapshot into the currently selected Program touch Recall.
To preset all the metadata parameters for the current program touch Preset.
Tone The current Tone Type is indicated on the button. Touch the Tone
button to enable and change the Tone Type.
As well as the standard PCM tones a BLITS test tone is also available.
The BLITS type is can be configured within the system menu. See
“System Setup” on page 77.
Outputs
EMB A
EMB B
AES
Touch each of the audio output tabs to access the individual output
setup pages.
Source Touch the source selection menu item to assign a source to the output
Selection audio pair.
Change To assign individual audio channels, select the Change button for the
relevant channel.
When Link is enabled the two channels may be swapped using the
Swap button.
In Dolby E authoring mode, the encoder does not have the required
audio channels to generate the selected program configuration.
Gain (PCM) Touch the Gain button to setup the gain for each channel. Yellow
indicates the gain is currently set out of preset.
Gain may be applied to the individual channels of the PCM output pair.
The amount of gain applied to each channel is displayed in dB’s.
The Track feature facilitates audio gain tracking across both channels
within the same Dolby program.
Delay (PCM) Touch the Delay button to set up the delay for each channel.
The total delay* for each channel of the output pair is displayed.
If either channel has been adjusted out of preset the delay indicator will
be illuminated yellow.
To change the delay offset for the audio channel, use the slider bar.
The values of the system delay vary according to the conversion being
made and are listed in “Appendix H: Latency Tables” on page 206.
Note: This PCM control will be grayed out when an encoder output is
selected.
Mono (PCM) Touch the Mono toggle button to take the average of the left and right
channels and apply that average to both.
Tone (PCM) The current Tone Type selection is indicated on the Tone button
Note: This PCM control will be grayed out when an encoder output is
selected.
EMB 1-8 assigns all 8 embedded inputs to each of its respective audio
outputs for the selected audio output (i.e. EMB A, EMB B or AES)
AES 1-8 assigns all 8 AES inputs to each of its respective audio
outputs for the selected audio output.
Map 1–4 DEC 1 assigns the 4 decoded outputs from decoder 1 to audio outputs
1–4 for the selected audio output.
Map 5–8 DEC 1 assigns the 4 decoded outputs from decoder 1 to audio outputs
5–8 for the selected audio output.
Note: These connections are only present if the unit is enabled with the 1080P option.
Input Touch Ext 1 / 2 Metadata to view the metadata present on the external
metadata inputs.
Output Touch Ext 1 / 2 Source to configure the metadata source for each
output.
BLITS Loop
Select the System tab followed by the Config button to see the current
BLITS Loop selection.
Touch the Select button to select all phases on the BLITS tone or a
specific phase.
5.10 Timecode
This section describes the Alchemist Ph.C-HD timecode functions, which include the
following displays, configuration settings and controls:
• Timecode I/O: Use these settings to setup input timecode sources and output time-
codes. See “Timecode Setup” on page 80.
• Timecode Control: Use these settings to specify timecode input triggers, output
loads, prerun times and the timecode mode. See “Timecode Control” on page 82.
Note: The Alchemist Ph.C Timecode functions are optional. If the Timecode option has not been
purchased, these functions are not available.
For additional information about timecodes, see “Appendix B: Timecode” on page 124.
Input This displays the current timecode from the specified timecode source.
Timecode
Output These fields display the timecodes currently being generated for
Timecode outputs A and B respectively.
A&B
Syncro This field displays the current status of timecode synchronization. For
Status example:
Setup Touch the Setup button to access the Timecode Setup menu.
Control Touch the Control button to access the Timecode control menu.
VITC: The SD input video timecode is read from the VITC signals.
(SMPTE 12M/SMPTE 266M)
LTC: The HD input video timecode is read from the LTC connector.
(SMPTE 12M)
Frame This option specifies the maximum frame number the input timecode will
Count reach before it resets to zero. This information is essential for timecode
arithmetic.
Detect: Measures the frame count max from the input timecode.
Format: Assumes that the timecode was generated to match the frame
rate of the video.
24/25/30: Forces the input frame count max to the specified setting.
This allows material that may have been generated with the wrong
frame count max limit (for example, slow PAL) to be accommodated.
Outputs A and B can be configured independently and have separate controls, allowing
different timecode values to be displayed. However, the Timecode mode is always common
to Output A and Output B.
Note: Both outputs will adopt the same configuration for Timecode Mode.
Frame These options specify the maximum number the output timecode frame
Count will reach before it resets to zero.
(Output
A & B) Auto: Assumes that the timecode is generated to match the specified
frame rate of the output video.
24/25/30: Forces the output frame count max to the specified setting.
This allows the user to pre-compensate for later changes in playback
speed, of the material generated by the Alchemist. Slow PAL for
example.
Off: Forces the output timecode to be non-drop frame. Off can only be
selected if the output timecode is 30 fps.
SD VITC This specifies, for an SD output, which line of vertical blanking the first
Insertion insertion of VITC signal occurs on. If enabled, the second insertion will
Line occur two lines below.
525 Default: Lines 14/277 and 16/279 (SMPTE 266M and RP164)
Note that the range refers to the first insertion line, not the second.
SD Activate This option enables/disables the timecode output format for SD output.
The options are VITC or Repeat
HD Activate This option enables/disables the timecode output format for HD output.
The options are Emb VITC or EMB LTC
This displays the input timecode read from the specified source.
Drop Frame will be illuminated when a drop frame timecode is detected on the source
timecode.
This option allows the desired timecode value to be entered. Preset values of 10h 00m 00s
00f and 01h 00m 00s 00f are available.
The input trigger is the value of the source timecode that will cause an output timecode event
to occur.
To specify the timecode at which the trigger event will occur, do one of the following:
• Using the Timecode Entry keypad, enter a new timecode, and then touch the Set but-
ton next to the Input Trigger box.
• Touch the Input TC button next to the Input Trigger box. This sets the timecode to the
input timecode value.
This specifies the value that will be inserted in the output A timecode when the input trigger
event occurs.
• Using the Timecode Entry keypad, enter a new timecode, and then touch the Set but-
ton next to the Output A Load box.
• Touch the Input TC button next to the Output A Load box. This sets the timecode to
the input timecode value.
This specifies the value that will be inserted in the Output B timecode when the input trigger
event occurs. This setting is independent of Output A; however, both outputs will adopt the
same Timecode Mode.
• Using the Timecode Entry keypad, enter a new timecode, and then touch the Set but-
ton next to the Output B Load box.
• Touch the Input TC button next to the Output B Load box. This sets the timecode to
the input timecode value.
Note: The output LTC XLR connector will always deliver Output A timecode.
5.10.3.6 Prerun
This control is only used when performing a Synchro Prerun timecode conversion. It specifies
the amount of time before the input trigger that the user would like continuous timecode
output.
• Using the Timecode Entry keypad, enter a new timecode, and then touch the Set but-
ton next to the Prerun box.
• Touch the Preset button next to the Prerun box. This sets the value to the default
value of 00h 03m 00s 00f.
This displays the current value of the timecode being generated for Output A, as specified by
the Timecode mode. If configured to be drop frame, the Drop Frame indicator is illuminated.
This displays the current value of the timecode being generated for Output B, as specified by
the Timecode mode. If configured to be drop frame, the Drop Frame indicator is illuminated.
This control selects the timecode mode to be used by the Alchemist. For descriptions of each
mode, refer to “Appendix B: Timecode” on page 124.
• Synchro Auto
• Synchro Prerun
• Synchro Manual
• E-E
• E-E Regen
• Freerun
• Trigger Load
Green Indicates that the value is valid, and that the corresponding event will
occur when the specified timecode is reached.
Yellow Indicates that the value is not currently valid, but if certain conditions,
such as the input standard or timecode type change, the corresponding
event may occur.
Red The specified value is not valid, and will not be so under any
circumstances.
5.11 FilmTools
This section describes the Alchemist Ph.C-HD FilmTools functions, which include the
following controls:
• Input Cadence: Use this menu to define the film cadence of the incoming content.
See “FilmTools Input” on page 88.
• Output Cadence: Use this menu to control the cadence of the converted content.
See “FilmTools Output” on page 91.
• Control: Use this menu to specify user-specified FilmTools control options. See
“FilmTools Control” on page 94.
• Detection: Use this menu to control the bias and internal detection algorithm. See
“FilmTools Detection” on page 95.
Note: The Alchemist Ph.C-HD FilmTools functions are optional. If the FilmTools option has not
been purchased, these functions are not available.
FilmTools
To select the Cadence Mode, in the Cadence Control section, touch the Select button.
Then, from the Select Cadence Mode dialog, choose the required cadence.
5.11.3.1 Auto
Cadence is defined by the internal sequence detector unless a PsF input standard has been
selected, in which case perfect frame segmentation is assumed (i.e. 2:2 F1/2).
5.11.3.2 Detect
Cadence is defined by the internal sequence detector (even when PsF inputs are selected).
5.11.3.3 1:1
Incoming content is interpreted as 1:1 cadence (field by field or frame by frame motion).
Incoming content is interpreted as continuous 2:3 cadence derived from continuous input
timecode by identifying the specific 2:3 frame type and timecode of an input 'Datum' frame
This control defines the 2:3 cadence of the Datum frame when the input cadence control is
2:3 TC Datum mode. For more information, see “Understanding 2:3 Datum Cadence” on
page 165.
On Valid TC Input 2:3 cadence will be defined according to the 2:3 Datum Cadence
(Default) and Timecode controls when stable input timecode has been detected.
The input timecode may be greater or less than specified 2:3 Datum
Timecode.
At Datum Input 2:3 cadence will be defined according to the 2:3 Datum Cadence
and Timecode controls. The cadence reset occurs when the input
timecode is equal to the 2:3 Datum Timecode.
Input (Default) The 2:3 Datum Timecode is automatically set to match the
Timecode timecode “Input Trigger” value.
Trigger
(Default)
Independent The 2:3 Datum Timecode can be set to any required frame.
Cadence
Trigger
0–23 hours (Default) The 2:3 Datum Timecode is automatically set to match the
timecode “Input Trigger” value.
(Default 12
hours)
0 and 5 Cadence
This control defines the phase of the relationship between frame count and input timecode.
When frame count values of 0 and 5 are present, the 2:3 cadence is interpreted as the
selected frame type.
For more information, see “Understanding 2:3 Datum Cadence” on page 165.
Cadence Offset
This control enables the cadence of the free-running 2:3 cadence generator to be offset.
5.11.4.1 Off
No specific cadence will be forced. Outgoing content will follow the Input (field by field or
frame by frame motion).
Outgoing content is generated with continuous 2:3 cadence derived from continuous output
timecode by identifying the specific 2:3 frame type and timecode of an output ‘Datum’ frame.
This control defines the 2:3 cadence of the Datum frame when the input cadence control is
2:3 TC Datum mode.
On Valid TC Output 2:3 cadence will be defined according to the 2:3 Datum
Cadence and Timecode controls when stable output timecode has
(Default) been detected. The output timecode may be greater or less than
specified 2:3 Datum Timecode.
At Datum Output 2:3 cadence will be defined according to the 2:3 Datum
Cadence and Timecode controls. The cadence reset occurs when
output timecode is equal to the 2:3 Datum Timecode.
Output The 2:3 Datum Timecode is automatically set to match the “Output A
Load A Load” timecode.
Timecode
(Default)
Independent The 2:3 Datum Timecode can be set to any required frame.
Cadence
Trigger
This control defines the start of the Cadence Window. It is only applicable when 2:3 Cadence
Reset is set to “on valid TC”. The default value is 12 hours.
5.11.4.5 TC 0 and 5
Outgoing content is generated with continuous 2:3 cadence defined by a specific relationship
to the frame count of non-drop frame output timecode.
0 and 5 Cadence
This control defines the phase of the relationship between frame count and output timecode.
When frame count values of 0 and 5 are present, the 2:3 cadence is interpreted as the
selected frame type.
Outgoing content is generated with continuous 2:3 cadence derived from an internal
free-running 2:3 cadence generator.
Cadence Offset
This control enables the cadence of the free-running 2:3 cadence generator to be offset.
5.11.5.1 Mode
Normal This aperture maximizes the vertical resolution from the incoming film
(Default) material. This is the optimum aperture for most applications.
Sharp This aperture maintains maximum possible vertical resolution with the
result that it is less tolerant to film sequence detection errors
Safe This aperture is film safe. It is the most tolerant to film sequence
detection errors. Note this mode is useful in applications where the film
content contains mixed cadence regions
Video to film blur allows any video-to-film conversion to have controlled blur added in areas of
movement. Using Ph.C, this process ensures that the amount of blur is proportional to the
speed and direction of the motion so that fast moving objects will be blurred more than the
slower ones. This mimics the blur usually associated with production on 35mm film.
Blur Use the slider bar to adjust the blur strength from 0 (min) to 8 (max).
Strength
The Alchemist utilizes a complex integrated detection algorithm to identify content type and
cadence information. This algorithm has been optimized so that the maximum possible range
of material can be converted in a single pass. In some rare cases it may be desirable to bias
the algorithm using the following controls.
Any (Default) Allows the sequence detector to identify film of any cadence.
This may be 2:2, 2:3, discontinuous 2:3, orphan fields, varispeed or
animation.
2:2 Forces the sequence detection to identify film content as 2:2 cadence
only. Content may be F1/2 or F2/1.
2:3 Forces the sequence detection to identify film content as 2:3 cadence
only. The 2:3 cadence may be discontinuous.
5.11.6.3 Bias
Normal This is the optimum setting for most applications. The detection
(Default) algorithms have been optimized to give the most accurate results for
the greatest possible range of material.
Video 2 In some rare cases in may be desirable to bias the sequence detector
Video 1 such that it is more likely to detect video or more likely to detect film.
Film 1 Video 2 biases more strongly towards video than Video 1. Similarly
Film 2 Film 2 biases more strongly towards film than Film 1.
This control allows the sequence and cut detection to be restricted to specific areas of the
image. A typical detection application would be to avoid sequence detection errors caused by
artifacts near the images edges. A typical cut detection application would be to prevent the
detection of cuts occurring within a specific region of the image.
Track Input The sequence/cut detection region will track with the settings for input
Blanking blanking.
Left Defines the left edge of the detection region as a percentage of the
picture width.
0–100%
(Default 1%)
Right Defines the right edge of the detection region as a percentage of the
picture width.
0–100%
(Default
99%)
Top Defines the top edge of the detection region as a percentage of the
picture height.
0–100%
(Default 1%)
Bottom Defines the bottom edge of the detection region as a percentage of the
picture height.
0–100%
(Default
99%)
5.12 VANC
This section describes the control interface of the Alchemist Ph.C-HD vertical ancillary bypass
mode.
Status
Disabled
Disabled indicates the VANC bypass feature for the specified data
packet is currently disabled.
Status
Green (OK)
Green indicates a packet with the specified identification value has
been successfully detected and inserted into the specified output line.
All packets will be transparently bypassed from input to output.
Status
Yellow
(Warning) Yellow indicates a packet with the specified identification value has
been successfully detected and inserted into the specified output line,
however due to the combination of input / output standards selected
VANC packets might be dropped or repeated.
Status Red
(Error)
Red indicates the user specified identification value has not been
detected and therefore will not be inserted.
VANC Edit
VANC Output VANC Output
Packet Select Enable Enable
(Tabs 1 to 16)
F ormat
DID S-DID Follow Input
Select Tab
Output
Line A
Output
Line B
Output A
Enable
Output B
Enable
DID Touch the slider to set the DID hex value. Alternatively touch the
numeric value and a hex keypad is available to enter the desired
identification value.
SDID Touch the slider to set the S-DID hex value. Alternatively touch the
numeric value and a hex keypad is available to enter the desired
identification value.
Follow Input Touch Follow Input to insert the data on the same line as it was
extracted on. This feature is only applicable when the input and output
image formats are the same e.g. 1080i to 1080i.
In this mode the Alchemist will track data packets, even if the input
packets are present on different lines in different fields (assuming they
are within the valid range). This is the only mode the Alchemist will
effectively insert data into different line positions in different fields.
Output Select the desired output format configuration using the tabs. This
Selection allows the user to configure independently the five different output
formats (525, 625, 720P, 1080i, 1080P).
Output A Touch the slider to set the Output A insertion line number. Alternatively
Line touch the numeric value and a decimal keypad is available to enter the
desired line number.
Output B Touch the slider to set the Output B insertion line number. Alternatively
Line touch the numeric value and a decimal keypad is available to enter the
desired line number.
Note: VANC must be enabled on the output page before data can be successfully bypassed. See
“VANC Output” on page 54.
Grey (Not Valid) indicates that the 608 caption data is not
valid for the current input standard selected.
Output A/B The Output A/B column informs the user whether each output caption
(608/708) is currently being successfully passed (in the current mode of
608 (21) operation).
608 (284)
708 The caption is being successfully passed and is currently
inserted into the specified output line.
Note that 608 can only be inserted onto lines 21 and 284.
Source The Source column indicates the source of each output caption type
(608/708).
608 (21)
608 (284) The specified 608 source caption is NOT present.
708 708 output captions are sourced from both the 608 and
708 input. The compatibility bytes are sourced from the
608 and the Native 708 is source from the 708 input.
525 Input This allows line 21/284 to be blanked once the 608 caption data has
Setup been extracted. This prevents the caption data creeping into the image
processing apertures.
Line 21 Auto: If 608 is detected the Alchemist will extract the caption data and
Blanking then blank line 21/284.
525 Input Use this to control of the source of the outgoing 608 captions.
Setup
Note: Only applicable to 525 59i inputs.
608 Source Auto: The Alchemist will automatically detect the presence of line 21 or
708 compatibility bytes. If both are both present Line 21 takes priority.
Format tabs Select the desired output format configuration using the tabs.
This allows the user to configure independently the five different output
formats (525, 625,720P, 1080i, 1080P).
Enable Touch Enable Line 21 to enable/disable the insertion of 525 608 Line
21 output captions.
Line 21
Note: Only present on 525 tab
Enable Touch Enable Line 284 to enable/disable the insertion of 525 608 Line
284 output captions.
Line 284
Note: Only present on 525 tab
Enable 708 Touch Enable Line 284 to enable/disable the insertion of 525 608 Line
284 output captions.
Enable 708 Touch Enable 708 to enable/disable the insertion of 708 captions.
708 Line Touch the slider to select the 708 output insertion line number.
• RollCall: Use these settings to specify the Alchemist Ph.C’s RollCall information, set
up RollTracks, and specify what information should be logged. See “RollCall” on
page 108.
• Ethernet: Use the Ethernet controls to specify whether the unit receives its IP
address dynamically or, if it does not, to specify the unit’s IP address. See “Ethernet”
on page 112.
• Setup: Use these settings to enable or disable shaped horizontal blanking, active line
length type, and analog blanking. See “Debug” on page 118.
• Info: The system information screen displays version information about the Alchemist
Ph.C. See “Debug” on page 118.
• Debug: Use the Tools menu to access the Timecode Overlays screen, and the
Diagnostics screen to perform diagnostic tests on the Alchemist Ph.C.See “Panel
Controls” on page 117.
• SNMP: Use these setting to configure the Alchemist’s SNMP settings. See “Appendix
F: SNMP” on page 192.
System
Panel
RollCall Debug Setup Info SNMP Ethernet
Controls
Timecode
Overlays
5.14.1.1 Messages
The Messages area on the System tab can display the following messages about the state of
the Alchemist Ph.C HD:
Fan Fail The main cooling fan, at the rear of the unit, has failed. This condition
may cause the unit to overheat.
PSU Fault A problem has been detected with one of the power supply units.
Note that on units fitted with two power supplies, if one supply is turned
on but the other is not, a PSU fault will be reported.
If there is more than one message to be displayed, the display will cycle through them
continuously.
In addition, the current total system delay is displayed as well as the status indicators for:
• RollCall
• Fan operation
• PSU
5.14.2 Info
When Info is selected, the System Information screen shown below is displayed.
The System Information Screen displays information about the Alchemist Ph.C HD’s software
and hardware versions. This information is required when contacting Snell support.
System Information screen for unit with High Definition, Dolby E, FilmTools, and Timecode
options:
5.14.3 Communications
The Communications menu provides access to the Alchemist’s RollCall, Ethernet and SNMP
menus.
5.14.4 RollCall
These controls allow information to be sent, via the RollCall™ network, to other compatible
units connected on the same network.
5.14.4.1 Unit ID
• Use the scroll bars to scroll through the list of addresses (in Hex). The range is from
10 to FF.
• Select the ID box, use the keypad to enter the new address and then select OK.
5.14.4.2 Name
This allows the name of the unit as it appears on the RollCall network, to be changed.
To change the name select the Edit item and use the keyboard to edit the text. Select OK to
enable the new name.
This allows the name of the Logging server on the RollCall network, to be changed in a similar
manner to that described above.
5.14.4.4 RollTracks
The RollTrack function allows the Alchemist to automatically control remote audio delay
modules using the RollCall system.
As the delay through the Alchemist varies according to the conversion mode, delay modules
connected via the RollTrack system will automatically have their delay updated to match.
The delay sent out via the RollTrack system matches the internal audio delay of the
Alchemist.
For more detailed information, see “Appendix I: RollTrack Audio Delay Tracking” on
page 216.
The destination for the delay information is set from the RollTrack address as follows:
Up to 2 audio delays may be selected as a destination. Selecting either of the two Address
edit buttons produces an address editing keyboard.
0000:00:00*0 The first set of digits identifies the network address, in hexadecimal.
This is usually 0000.
0000:00:00*0 The third set of digits identifies the slot address of the delay module, in
hexadecimal.
0000:00:00*0 The last set of digits identifies the unit ID, in decimal.
A more detailed description of these items is given in “Appendix I: RollTrack Audio Delay
Tracking” on page 216.
In a typical set-up, the network address will be 0000, the enclosure and slot address would
match those of the destination module, and the unit ID should be set to the RollCall ID of the
destination unit.
The Alchemist RollTrack output becomes active as soon as the enclosure address is set to be
non zero and OK selected.
Audio Delay Specifies the channel number, which can be 14, 15, 16, or 17.
Channel
This screen reveals a list of items that can be made available for logging.
Input Status When checked, a loss of input signal condition will be indicated to the
logging device.
Input When checked, the current input standard will be available to the
Standard logging device.
Output When checked, the current output standard will be available to the
Standard logging device.
A&B
System When checked, system status log events will be available to the logging
Status device.
5.14.5 Ethernet
The Alchemist Ph.C can connect to a RollCall 32-bit control panel via an Ethernet connection.
The unit’s IP address can either be dynamically assigned by a DHCP server, or manually
assigned.
Use the Ethernet controls to specify whether the unit receives its IP dynamically (using
DHCP) or, if it does not, to specify the unit’s IP address.
Netmask This allows the Subnet Mask to be entered. The default address is
255.255.255.0.
Gateway This allows the Gateway address to be entered. The default address is
0.0.0.0.
5.14.6 SNMP
On the main SNMP page, you can configure and enable up to four SNMP traps.
Note: For more information about the Alchemist’s SNMP functions, see “Appendix F: SNMP” on
page 192.
Each SNMP trap is configured on its own tab. For each trap, specify the following information:
Trap IP Configures the IP address to which traps (notifications) are sent. This
Address address should correspond to the IP address of the SNMP Manager.
Trap UDP Configures the destination UDP port for traps. The manager should be
Port configured to ‘listen’ for traps on this port. The SNMP default is 162 but
other port numbers may be used.
The settings on the SNMP > Physical page allow the Alchemist’s SNMP functions to be
enabled or disabled and the UDP Port to be used for SNMP communication to be specified.
This page also provides an option to resend all SNMP traps to the SNMP manager.
Enable This enables or disables the SNMP agent within the Alchemist. Default
SNMP is disabled.
Resend All When pressed the Alchemist will resend all current traps/notifications.
Traps
UDP Port This indicates/configures the UDP port that the Alchemist listens on for
SNMP messages from a manager. The SNMP default is 161 but other
ports may be used.
Name Click edit to change unit’s physical name, used for SNMP purposes.
The default name is ‘Alchemist PhC HD’.
The settings on the SNMP > Interface page configure the Alchemist’s SNMP interface.
Contact Configures the contact email address for Alchemist SNMP agent.
email
The MIBs are stored locally on the Alchemist or can be found on the Snell FTP site.
Simply connect the Alchemist to your network, open an internet browser (IE 7 recommended)
and enter the current IP address (see system > Ethernet > IP address).
This will show the Alchemist home page. At the top of the home screen select the
‘SNMP MIBs’ logo to extract a zip file containing the required MIBs. Save these locally for use
with your chosen SNMP application.
The Alchemist’s SNMP Agent has been explicitly validated with the following SNMP
applications:
• MGSoft
5.14.7 Setup
When Setup is selected, the screen shown below is displayed.
• Analog Blanking
When enabled, this option provides a blanking rise and fall time of 3 pixels (approximately
10% to 90%).
When Analog is selected, the unit treats input 4:3 images as if they originated as analog
signals. This enables the unit to compensate for analog line length differences between
analog PAL and NTSC signals and preserve correct aspect ratio.
If Analog Active Line Length has been selected, this option applies appropriate analog
blanking to both input and output signals.
This allows the user to enable or disable the auto AES re-align feature.
When in Automatic mode, if a new AES input is applied to the Alchemist and that AES
channel is routed to one of the audio outputs, all AES channels will be reset to re-align them.
Touch Align Audio Now to manually trigger a reset to all AES channels.
If the FilmTools option is disabled, when this control is Off, the latency through the Alchemist
is approximately 220-336ms. This matches the latency of the unit with FilmTools enabled.
5.14.8.1 Calibrate
Press on the cursor area for a few seconds and the next screen will appear.
The calibration process will be completed when the Calibration Successful dialog appears on
the screen as shown below.
5.14.8.2 Clean
When the Clean function is enabled a representation of a countdown timer will appear on the
screen. This timer will be reset to zero whenever the screen is touched during the cleaning
process and will run for approximately 16 seconds after the last time the screen was touched;
it will then return to the System screen.
If the touch screen has not been used for a certain period of time it will be come inoperative. If
an attempt is made to operate the screen a dialog box will appear warning that the panel has
been locked due to a timeout. Select Unlock to return to normal operation or Cancel to leave
in the locked condition.
The period of time before the panel becomes locked can be set using the Panel Timeout
control.
The time can be set from 1 to 30 minutes using the scroll bar or the keypad.
By setting the control to less than 1 minute the function will be turned off.
5.14.8.4 Dim
When selected the brightness of the panel will reduce to a minimum when the panel timeout
occurs.
5.14.9 Debug
The Debug menu provides access to the Tools options and the Diagnostics screen.
The Tools menu allows Timecode overlays to be shown on the output display, and the
Diagnostics screen provides options that can be used to determine the source of potential
system problems.
These options allow overlays, displaying any or all of the Input Timecode, Output A
Timecode, and Output B Timecode to be displayed on the output.
Note: The input timecode overlay is applied in input space; therefore, it is processed before being
displayed.
5.14.11 Diagnostics
When Diagnostics is selected, the screen shown below is displayed.
The diagram at the top of the Diagnostics screen enables Snell support to determine the
source of potential system problems; it should not be used unless instructed to do so by Snell
support.
The Autotest functions enable the cards within the Alchemist Ph.C HD to perform self-tests.
To perform a test on a card, press the corresponding Autotest button, a Running message
will display, followed by a percentage indicating the progress of the test, until the test has
completed when it will return a Pass or ‘Failure’ message.
Note: The Alchemist Ph.C must be receiving a valid input signal before performing any autotests.
5.14.12 Memory
This function allows a number of particular setups of the unit to be saved and recalled. There
are six user memory locations available plus default. All memories locations may renamed
except the default position.
To change the memory name select the memory location (color will change to green) and
then select Edit. This will reveal the keyboard and allow text to be entered. Select OK to save
this new name and return to the Memory screen.
Memory Select
2. Select Store.
2. Select Recall.
3. Click Factory to return all of the unit’s settings to their default settings. This selection
will delete all user memories.
4. Click Default to reset all of the unit’s settings to their defaults, leaving all user memo-
ries intact.
A.1 Overview
The noise reducer is an advanced adaptive spatial/temporal filter which has been optimized
to preserve detail without introducing artifacts.
Pixel based adaption is achieved through careful analysis of the image to distinguish which
pixels are moving and which are static. Static and low textured regions are better handled by
the temporal processing as it permits the reduction of noise without any loss of resolution,
whilst moving textured regions are better handled by the spatial processing as temporal
processing may introduce smear.
The noise reducer is designed to remove low level noise such as noise generated by high
levels of camera gain or “film grain” like noise.
Noise On / Off
Reducer
Preset to Off.
Weighting White
Uniform
Black
Preset to 0.
Overlay On / Off
Preset to Off.
A.3 Setup
static regions have some color, then increase the bias. Once the bias has been configured the
user should adjust the strength controls to compliment the new bias level. Optimum noise
reduction is now in progress!
The following example shows how to use the overlay to achieve the optimum setting for the
noise reducer. Three different scenarios show how to adjust the bias control using the
overlay; in this example the background is static with foreground motion (the penguins).
In the above image it can be seen that the moving regions (penguins) do not have enough
color overlay on them. In this example the bias has been set too high. Some of the moving
content may suffer from smearing (on higher strength levels) as a direct result of using the
temporal processing.
In scenario 2 however, the majority of the static region has the color overlay present. This
means the bias has been set too low. As some static regions are being spatially processed in
this instant the noise reducer probably isn’t generating the most optimal result.
Scenario 3 shows the optimum setup. All moving regions are being spatially processed, and
majority of static regions are being temporally processed. This configuration will offer the
optimum noise reduction.
Appendix B. Timecode
B.1 Overview
The ability to seamlessly handle timecode while performing a frame-rate conversion is
available with the Timecode option for Alchemist Ph.C-HD. The Alchemist has the ability to
monitor its input timecode and act upon it in a variety of user selectable ways to generate a
standards converted output with correct timecode.
Set up and operation of the Timecode option in Alchemist is achieved through simple easy to
use control screens. The dedicated setup page is used to configure timecode input and
output controls. The main Timecode control page provides a one page status and operation
window, and allows the mode and trigger to be set up while monitoring the input.
Note: The Alchemist Timecode functions are optional. If the Timecode option has not been
purchased, these functions are not available.
• Eliminates the need for external timecode black boxes and infrastructure.
The Alchemist timecode insertion is based upon two timecode concepts. The first of these is
the input timecode trigger (Input Trigger) and the second is the output timecode load (Output
A/B Load).
The input timecode trigger is simply the value of the input video (source) timecode that will
cause an output timecode event to occur. In other words when the input video timecode
equals the specified trigger value the Alchemist will insert timecode according to the mode
and user configuration selected.
The timecode output load is the value of the output timecode to be inserted on the video
field/frame that the Alchemist generated from the input video field/frame with the trigger
timecode value. Note that in doing this the Alchemist automatically compensates for its
internal processing delay.
B.3.1.1 SD Source
VITC The SD input video timecode is read from the VITC signals.
LTC The SD input video timecode is read from the LTC connector.
(SMPTE 12M).
B.3.1.2 HD Source
Emb VITC The HD input video timecode is read from the embedded VITC signals
(SMPTE RP188).
Emb LTC The HD input video timecode is read from the embedded LTC signals
(SMPTE RP188).
LTC The HD input video timecode is read from the LTC connector
(SMPTE 12M).
This menu specifies the maximum frame number the input timecode will reach before it resets
to 0. This information is essential for timecode arithmetic.
Detect Detect will measure the frame count max from the input timecode.
Format Format assumes timecode was generated to match the frame rate of
the video.
24/25/30 This will force the input frame count max to the specified setting. This
allows the user to accommodate material that may have been
generated with the wrong frame count max limit, for example,
Slow PAL.
This menu specifies the maximum number the output timecode frame counter will reach
before it resets to 0.
Auto Auto assumes timecode is generated to match the specified frame rate
of the output video.
24/25/30 This will force the output frame count max to the specified setting. This
allows the user to pre-compensate for later changes in playback speed,
of the material we generate, for example, Slow PAL.
This menu is only relevant to 59.94Hz output. When enabled, the first two frame numbers (00
and 01) shall be omitted from the count at the start of each minute except minutes 00, 10, 20,
30, 40, and 50. Note if the Alchemist is configured to “E-E” timecode mode and is performing
a 30 fps – 30 fps timecode conversion the output drop/non drop type will follow the input. E.g.
59.94Hz DF input will automatically give a 59.94Hz DF output and vice-versa.
On “On” can only be selected if the output timecode is 30 fps. On will force
the output timecode to be drop frame.
Off “Off” can only be selected if the output timecode is 30 fps. Off will force
the output timecode to be non-drop frame.
The menu specifies for an SD output which line of vertical blanking the first insertion of VITC
signal occurs on. If enabled, the second insertion will occur 2 lines below.
525 Default Lines 14/277 and 16/279 (SMPTE 266M and RP164).
625 Range Between lines 6/319 and 20/333 (SMPTE 12M and SMPTE 266M).
525 Range Between lines 10/273 and 17/280 (SMPTE 12M and SMPTE 266M).
Note: The range refers the first insertion line not the second (repeat).
B.3.3 Activate
This menu allows the user to enable/disable the timecode output format. The options are:
• SD Output: VITC/Repeat
Drop Frame will be illuminated when drop frame timecode is detected on the source
timecode.
B.4.6 Prerun
This control is only required when performing a “synchro prerun” timecode conversion. The
Prerun specifies the amount of time before the input trigger the user would like continuous
output timecode. There is a timecode display which indicates the total prerun time. To specify
a different time the user should set a new time code using the “Timecode Entry” key pad and
then press “Set” button next to the Prerun box. This can be reset back to the default of 3
minutes using the “Preset” button.
This control defines the size of the error between input timecode and output timecode before
a reset will occur. A reset will realign the output timecode with the input (and thus cause a
discontinuity in timecode).
These modes fit into three main functions, depending on the job to be performed:
• Synchro
• EE
• Freerun
This is the most sophisticated timecode mode available on the Alchemist Ph.C - HD and
offers a fully automated single pass conversion of timecode and video in any genlock
configuration, and ensures the first program field/frame is clean and occurs at the correct time
code.
• Synchro Auto
• Synchro Prerun
• Synchro Manual
B.5.1.2 EE Mode
This mode is desirable in any application where the user would like the output timecode to
mirror the input timecode as close as possible. This mode is ideal for converting rushes with
discontinuous timecode or preview copies in different standards.
• EE
• EE Regen
This mode is used for applications where a free running timecode generator is required; this
mode could be used to stripe a tape with timecode.
The user must configure an input trigger event, and set a desired output timecode load value.
In our example the input trigger is 01h 00m 00s 00f and the output load value is 10h 00m 00s
00f. Once the Alchemist has detected 5 seconds of continuous input timecode it will action the
“synchro start” event. After this event occurs there will be a few fields/frames of discontinuity
in the audio, video and timecode output whilst the Alchemist performs the required timecode
arithmetic and subsequently configures the system in such a way that guarantees:
• The output video will be clean (no interpolation) at the input trigger event.
• The output timecode is generated in a manner which will result in the desired load
value occurring at the specified input trigger event. This means both pre-program and
program content will contain continuous timecode.
• The source must contain a minimum of 5 seconds continuous timecode prior to the
input trigger event. Any input timecode discontinuity will trigger a new synchro start
event, as will changing input/output/reference setup.
It may be necessary to increase the video processing latency by up to 1 frame. Any audio
being routed through the Alchemist will automatically compensate for this additional delay
and Snell external audio delays controlled by RollTrack will also accommodate the change.
Users should be careful if using other external audio equipment as it is not possible to predict
in advance the change in processing delay.
The Synchro process takes approximately 5 seconds to complete. The source must contain
continuous timecode for a minimum of the prerun time plus 5 seconds before the input trigger
timecode for correct operation. In our example the prerun value is set to 00h 00m 30s 00f,
therefore the synchro start event will occur at the approximate input timecode 00h 59m 25s
00f.
B.5.5 E-E
This mode is desirable in any application where the user would like the output timecode to
track the input timecode with minimum error. There is no concept of input trigger or output
load values as the translation of timecode is continuous.
When frame rate converting, the incoming and outgoing timecodes are converted into a frame
number and compared. If the difference between them is greater than the size specified by
the “E-E Window” the output timecode is reset to match the input. The output timecode is
effectively free running with resets where needed. The user may specify output timecode
maximum frame count (when appropriate), and may select between non drop frame and drop
frame timecode.
When performing a non frame rate conversion (i.e. input and output are the same frame rate)
then the input timecode will simply be handed over to the output (with correct delay
compensation). If the video gets synchronized (i.e. a field/frame drop or repeat) the timecode
will replicate this behavior and drop or repeat, thus the input timecode is transparently passed
from input to output. In this mode the maximum frame count and drop/non drop frame
switches are disabled as they are copied from the input. The output timecode will only free
run if the input timecode is lost.
Note: Synchronizing events can be eliminated if the Alchemist is IO locked or the source is
locked to the same reference as the Alchemist.
When performing a non frame rate conversion (i.e. input and output are the same frame rate),
the same timecode regeneration technique as in E-E mode with frame rate conversion is
used. Thus the user can specify the output maximum frame count, whether the timecode is
drop frame or non drop frame and set the window size. Setting the window to be large (e.g.
several seconds) would be useful for converting rushes which contain sequences of a
reasonable length and where it is desirable the output timecode doesn’t contain any
discontinuities.
B.5.7 Freerun
This mode is particularly useful for applications where there is no input timecode present.
There is no concept of an Input Trigger event in this mode. The Alchemist will simply freerun
from the current time. A new output load timecode can be specified and then manually loaded
using the “Manual Trigger” button.
Green Indicates that the value is valid, and that the corresponding event will
occur when the specified timecode is reached.
Yellow Indicates that the value is not currently valid, but if certain conditions,
such as the input standard or timecode type change, the corresponding
event may occur.
Red The specified value is not valid, and will not be so under any
circumstances.
In this scenario:
• The Input Trigger has been set to 01h 00m 00s 00f.
• The Output A Load has been set to 10h 00m 00s 00f.
• The Output B Load has been set to 01h 00m 00s 00f.
The unit is now set up. Press play on the source deck.
Note: After pressing the play button, waiting approximately 5 seconds before pressing record will
eliminate discontinuity as the Alchemist achieves lock.
At this point, the timecode configuration has just been adjusted, and the unit is initializing.
Output B Timecode is displaying an Output stability warning. This condition can be caused
by anything that can alter the timecode arithmetic. For example, an I/O standard change, a
reference change, or a genlock change.
As the Alchemist performs its timecode calculations, Output A Timecode and Output B
Timecode now display Calibrate.
After the Alchemist has completed the timecode calculations, and now performs the
necessary synchronization to ensure a clean program start, with the correct timecode,
Output A Timecode and Output B Timecode now display Synchro. Press record on the
output deck.
Note: After pressing the play button, waiting approximately 5 seconds before pressing record will
eliminate discontinuity as the Alchemist achieves lock.
The Alchemist is now in prerun. All discontinuities have occurred, and the output timecode is
in prerun and ramping up to the specified load time. Prerun is displayed for both the Output A
Timecode and the Output B Timecode.
The synchro conversion has successfully been performed. As specified, the Output A
program started at 10h 00m 00s 00f and the Output B program started at 01h 00m 00s 00f,
both with a clean field at the program start (no interpolation).
Note: The time the synchro event occurred, together with the elapsed time, can be confirmed on
the Timecode Control screen.
This set-up requires no further changes for similar jobs, just put the tape in.
A1. As with other conversion modes (such as CleanCut and Frame Synchronizing) care
should be taken using timecode when both interlaced and progressive outputs are required.
In such a scenario it is recommended that the primary output (A) is configured to output
interlaced and the secondary output (B) is configured to progressive. If configured the other
way round and performing a “Synchro” timecode conversion, the insertion of the timecode
load value and the clean program start could be early or late by a field on output B.
Q2. What happens if I have set up a “Synchro Auto” conversion, but start playing the
source VTR from a time post the specified input trigger timecode?
A2. The Alchemist will simply interpret this as the user wanting to perform synchro event a
long way in advance. The synchro event will occur, the arithmetic will be performed allowing
for the wrap at 59h 59m 59s 24/29f and the Alchemist will be armed to ensure correct
operation at the specified input trigger point.
Q3. Does my source need to be locked to the same reference as the Alchemist for the
“synchro” timecode modes to work reliably?
A3. No, the Alchemist will measure the input to derive its frequency and modify its timecode
arithmetic accordingly. However, the Alchemist does assume the source is stable. If the
source clock is fluctuating this could result in an incorrect timecode conversion.
White
Y
C
G
Y M
R
Cr
B
Black
Cb
It can be seen there are many YCrCb values which lie outside the RGB space, and would
consequently generate illegal values when converted to analog for display.
Upon detection of illegal RGB colors, there are a variety of techniques to bring them back into
legal colorspace. Most legalizers will simply de-saturate the chrominance, leaving the
luminance unaltered. The legalizer in the Alchemist is more advanced, and is able to preserve
the original saturation to a much greater extent by modifying the luminance and chrominance
signals simultaneously, giving the best visually subjective results.
700mV RGB Lo 0mV, RGB Hi 700mV, will comply with area mask set 1% or
greater,
721mV RGB Lo -21mV, RGB Hi 721mV, will comply with area mask set 0% or
greater.
735mV RGB Lo -35mV, RGB Hi 735mV, will comply with are mask set 0% or
greater.
Area Mask Defines the percentage of total pixels in the image that may be out of
RGB gamut without reporting that the signal has an RGB gamut error.
Note: The 735mV selection should be used in conjunction with the luma clipper (set at presets) to
generate images that adhere to EBU R103-200 specification.
White Max This sets up the upper limit (hard clip point) of the clipper. The range is
minimum 90% (852 digital 10-bit value) to maximum 109% (1019) with
increments of 1%. Preset is 103% (966).
White Knee This sets up the knee for the maximum white limit of the clipper. This
can be set up to give a “soft clip” from this knee point to the hard white
clip point. The range is minimum 60% (590) to maximum 109% (1019)
with increments of 1%. Preset is 100% (940).
Black Min This sets up the lower limit (hard clip point) of the clipper. The range is
minimum -7% (4) to maximum 10% (152) with increments of 1%.
Preset is -1% (55).
Black Knee This sets up the knee for the minimum black limit of the clipper. This
can be set up to give a “soft clip” from this knee point to the hard black
clip point. The range is minimum -7% (4) to maximum 60% (590) with
increments of 1%. Preset is 0% (64).
Note: The Luma clip preset values configure the clipper to meet luma limits as specified by EBU
R103-200.
White Max
White soft clip region
To achieve a hard white clip set the White Max and White Knee to the same value. Similarly
to achieve a hard black clip set the Black Min and the Black Knee to the same value.
Appendix D. FilmTools
D.1 Overview
FilmTools is based on the tried and tested film handling capability of the Alchemist Platinum,
providing broadcasters, content owners and facilities with a proven means of converting to,
from and between frame based material with comprehensive integrated Timecode support as
standard.
The addition of FilmTools greatly extends the range of supported video standards, providing
the Alchemist Ph.C-HD with a unique range of capabilities and adds the all important
processing modes necessary to enable you to handle the widest range of workflows possible,
all to the best achievable quality.
With FilmTools, Alchemist Ph.C-HD is extended to handle frame based material at 23.98, 24,
25, 29.97 and 30Hz as well as SlowPAL formats at 23, 24, 47 and 48Hz. This I/O format
flexibility is combined with three powerful Ph.C based technologies:
• “P-film” provides similar benefits to DEFTplus for those operating with 50Hz mixed
media sources.
Combining the power of Ph.C, DEFTplus, P-Film and Video-to-Film processing, the FilmTools
Option addresses the challenges of converting to, from, and between any of the many frame
based material formats.
FilmTools has been designed with the challenges of real program material in mind:
• Detection and clean processing of film originated 2:3 or 2:2 with broken cadence
• Agile field pairing ensures varispeed and animation at variable frame rates are no
problem
• Powerful timecode tools give guaranteed program start and eliminate costly rejects
• Input Cadence: This page allows the user to define a film cadence for the incoming
content. A single, continuous and perfect cadence can be defined flawlessly by its
relationship to timecode or by aligning an internal free running cadence generator. If
the content contains discontinuous or mixed cadence or, if the cadence is unknown
prior to conversion, Detect mode performs real time analysis to assign cadence.
• Control: This page allows the user setup FilmTools controls. These controls are
specific to FilmTools conversions only.
• Output Cadence: This page allows the user to control the cadence of the converted
content. This menu allows the user to select the required cadence including any
required relationship with output timecode.
• Detection: This page allows the user to control and bias the internal sequence
detection algorithm. The sequence detector has been optimized to dynamically
identify all cadence types on a field by field (or frame by frame) basis. i.e. 2:2, 2:3,
broken 2:3, 1:1 (field by field or frame by frame), varispeed.
For specific details of the FilmTools controls see “FilmTools” on page 86.
OFF Disables the FilmTools Option. Note PsF standards will be grayed out.
Detect Cadence is defined by the internal sequence detector (even when PsF
inputs are selected).
2:2 F1/2 All incoming content is interpreted as 2:2 F1/F2 (PsF) cadence.
(PsF)
2:2 F2/1 All incoming content is interpreted as 2:2 F2/F1 (PsF) cadence.
AA (Default) This control defines the 2:3 cadence of the Datum frame when the input
BB, cadence control is 2:3 TC Datum mode.
BC,
CD, See “Understanding 2:3 Datum Cadence” on page 165.
DD
On Valid TC Input 2:3 cadence will be defined according to the 2:3 Datum Cadence
(Default) and Timecode controls when stable input timecode has been detected.
The input timecode may be greater or less than specified 2:3 Datum
Timecode.
At Datum Input 2:3 cadence will be defined according to the 2:3 Datum Cadence
and Timecode controls. The cadence reset occurs when the input
timecode is equal to the 2:3 Datum Timecode.
Input (Default) The 2:3 Datum Timecode is automatically set to match the
Timecode timecode “Input Trigger” value.
Trigger
(Default)
Independent The 2:3 Datum Timecode can be set to any required frame.
Cadence
Trigger
0–23 hours Defines the start of the Cadence Window. Only applicable when 2:3
Cadence Reset is set to “On Valid TC”.
(Default 12
hours) See “Understanding Datum TC Conversion” on page 163.
0 & 5 Cadence
AA (Default) This control defines the phase of the relationship between frame count
BB, and input timecode. When a frame count of 0 & 5 is present the 2:3
BC, phase can be set any one of the five frame types.
CD,
DD See “Understanding 2:3 Datum Cadence” on page 165.
Cadence Offset
-/+ The cadence of the free running 2:3 generator maybe offset.
Off No specific cadence will be forced. Outgoing content will follow the
Input (field by field or frame by frame motion).
2:2 F1/2 All outgoing content is interpreted as 2:2 F1/F2 (PsF) cadence.
(PsF)
2:2 F2/1 All outgoing content is interpreted as 2:2 F2/F1 (PsF) cadence.
AA (Default) This control defines the 2:3 cadence of the Datum frame when the input
BB, cadence control is 2:3 TC Datum mode.
BC,
CD, See “Understanding 2:3 Datum Cadence” on page 165.
DD
On Valid TC Output 2:3 cadence will be defined according to the 2:3 Datum
(Default) Cadence and Timecode controls when a stable output timecode has
been detected. The output timecode may be greater or less than
specified 2:3 Datum Timecode.
At Datum Output 2:3 cadence will be defined according to the 2:3 Datum
Cadence and Timecode controls. The cadence reset occurs when the
output timecode is equal to the 2:3 Datum Timecode.
Output Load (Default) The 2:3 Datum Timecode is automatically set to match the
A Timecode timecode “Output A Load” timecode.
(Default)
Independent The 2:3 Datum Timecode can be set to any required frame.
Cadence
Trigger
0–23 hours Defines the start of the Cadence Window. Only applicable when 2:3
Cadence Reset is set to “On Valid TC”.
(Default 12
hours) See “Understanding Datum TC Conversion” on page 163.
0 & 5 Cadence
AA (Default) This control defines the phase of the relationship between frame count
BB, and output timecode. When a frame count of 0 & 5 is present the 2:3
BC, phase can be set any one of the five frame types.
CD,
DD See “Understanding 2:3 Datum Cadence” on page 165.
Cadence Offset
-/+ The cadence of the free running 2:3 generator maybe offset.
D.2.4.1 Mode
Normal This aperture maximizes the vertical resolution from the incoming film
(Default) material. This is the optimum aperture for most applications.
Sharp This aperture maintains maximum possible vertical resolution with the
result that it is less tolerant to film sequence detection errors
Safe This aperture is film safe. It is the most tolerant to film sequence
detection errors. Note this mode is useful in applications where the film
content contains mixed cadence regions
Video to film blur allows any video-to-film conversion to have controlled blur added in areas of
movement. Using Ph.C, this process ensures that the amount of blur is proportional to the
speed and direction of the motion so that fast moving objects will be blurred more than the
slower ones. This mimics the blur usually associated with production on 35mm film.
Blur Use the slider bar to adjust the blur strength from 0 (min) to 8 (max).
Strength
Any (Default) Allows the sequence detector to identify film of any cadence.
This may be 2:2, 2:3, discontinuous 2:3, orphan fields, varispeed or
animation.
2:2 Forces the sequence detection to identify film content as 2:2 cadence
only. Content may be F1/2 or F2/1.
2:3 Forces the sequence detection to identify film content as 2:3 cadence
only. The 2:3 cadence may be discontinuous.
D.2.5.3 Bias
Normal This is the optimum setting for most applications. The detection
(Default) algorithms have been optimized to give the most accurate results for
the greatest possible range of material.
Video 2 In some rare cases in may be desirable to bias the sequence detector
Video 1 such that it is more likely to detect video or more likely to detect film.
Film 1 Video 2 biases more strongly towards video than Video 1. Similarly
Film 2 Film 2 biases more strongly towards film than Film 1.
This control allows the sequence and cut detection to be restricted to specific areas of the
image. A typical detection application would be to avoid sequence detection errors caused by
artifacts near the images edges. A typical cut detection application would be to prevent the
detection of cuts occurring within a specific region of the image.
Track Input The sequence/cut detection region will track with the settings for input
Blanking blanking.
Left Defines the left edge of the detection region as a percentage of the
picture width.
0–100%
(Default 1%)
Right Defines the right edge of the detection region as a percentage of the
picture width.
0–100%
(Default
99%)
Top Defines the top edge of the detection region as a percentage of the
picture height.
0–100%
(Default 1%)
Bottom Defines the bottom edge of the detection region as a percentage of the
picture height.
0–100%
(Default
99%)
Note: Before performing any FilmTools conversion, it is recommended that the Alchemist is
referenced to the input or an external reference source.
4. In the FilmTools Input menu, set the Input Cadence control to Auto.
5. In the FilmTools Output menu, set the Output Cadence control to 2:3 Freerun.
4. In the FilmTools Input menu, set the FilmTools Input Cadence control to Auto.
6. In the FilmTools Output menu, set output Cadence to 2:2 F1/2 (PsF).
Output cadence should start at hour 10:00:00:00 with a start phase of AA.
Setup:
4. In the FilmTools Input menu, set the Input Cadence control to 2:2 F1/2.
5. In the FilmTools Output menu, set output cadence control to 2:3 TC Datum.
Setup:
4. In the FilmTools Input menu, set the Input Cadence control to Auto.
5. In the FilmTools Output menu, set the Output Cadence control to 2:2 F1/F2 (PsF).
With some conversions there is only one technique available, others can be influenced using
the film Mode control (see FilmTools control).
These tables indicate which conversion technique the Alchemist will adopt depending on the
various standard combinations. If only one mode is available the film Mode control has no
effect. For conversions which offer the user a choice, the behavior of Mode in film Auto is
indicated in brackets.
FILM OUTPUT
Native 23 23 24 24 25 29 30
23 47 2:2 S P ISIM (IM) ISIM (IM) ISIM (IM) ISIM (IM) ISIM (IM)
24 48 2:2 ISIM (S) ISIM (I) S P ISIM (IM) ISIM (IM) ISIM (IM)
FILM
INPUT 24 60 2:3 IS (I) S D SR IS (I) S S
25 50 2:2 ISIM (IM) ISIM (I) ISIM (IM) ISIM (IM) S ISIM (IM) ISIM (IM)
VIDEO OUTPUT
Native
47 48 50 59 60
Transport
VIDEO OUTPUT
Native 47 48 50 59 60
47 S M M M M
48 M S M M M
VIDEO
INPUT 50 M M S M M
59 M M M S M
60 M M M M S
FILM OUTPUT
Native 23 23 24 24 25 29 30
47 S P M P M M M
VIDEO
48 M P S P M M M
INPUT
50 M PM M PM S M M
59 M PM M PM M S M
60 M PM M PM M M S
KEY
S Synchronisation
If the timecode was post Datum the Alchemist will extrapolate forwards in time. If the
timecode was pre-datum the Alchemist will extrapolate backwards in time. The Max Time
Pre-datum defines at what timecode the Datum calculations switch from extrapolating
forwards to extrapolating backwards.
If incorrectly configured the user may not get the desired cadence. For most cases the default
value of 12 hours for Max Time Pre-datum will give the desired cadence.
As shown in “Figure 1:” on page 164, the Max Time Pre-datum is set to 9 hours. This gives a
start of cadence window of 01:00:00:00 and a corresponding end of cadence window of
00:59:59:29 (24 hours later). The Datum timecode is set to 10:00:00:00. For any timecode
after the 01:00:00:00 but before 10:00:00:00 the cadence will be extrapolated backwards. For
any timecode after 10:00:00:00 but before 01:00:00:00 the cadence will be extrapolated
forwards.
If the Max Time Pre-datum had been set to 1 hour, it would mean any timecode before
09:00:00:00 would be extrapolated forwards. Had the user wanted to lock input cadence to
the datum of 10:00:00:00 but started the tape rolling at 08:00:00:00 they would have wanted
the calculation to be extrapolated backwards. With the current settings the resultant cadence
wouldn’t have been phase locked and continuous up to the datum.
Issue 3 Rev 1
Validtimecodehasavaluebetweendatumtimecode CadenceControl =2:3TCDatum
Validtimecodehasavaluebetweendatumtimecode
andstart of cadencewindow(2:3DatumTimecode– 2:3DatumTimecode=10:00:00:00
Alchemist Ph.C-HD
andendof cadencewindow.
Extrapolated cadence MaxTimePreDatum) Max TimePreDatum= 9hours
2:3DatumCadence=AA
2:3CadenceReset =At Datum
AA- 2 AA AA+ 2
f2 f1 f2 f1 f2 f1 f2 f1 f2 f1 f2 f1 f2 f1 f2
Figure 1:
A C D D D A A B B B C C D D D Therefore: Therefore:
CD DD AA BB BC CD DD
Cadence=AA- 2 Cadence=AA+2
-2 -1 0 +1 +2 +3 +4 Cadenceextrapolatedbackwardsto09:00:00:00= CD Cadenceextrapolatedforwardsto11:00:00:00=BC
24 hour cadencewindow
Page 164
01:00:00:00 00:59:59:29
10:00:00:00
www.snellgroup.com
2:3 DatumCadence=AA
Not toscale
TIME
©
Continuouscadence
Figure 2:
f2 f1 f2 f1 f2 f1 f2 f1 f2 f1 f2 f1 f2 f1 f2 f1 f2 f1
B C D D D A A B B B C C D D D A A B
AA BB BC CD DD
AA = 2 field frame
BBB = 3 field frame
CC = 2 field frame
DDD = 3 field frame
The 5 frame types describe each of the 5 phase within a 10 field 2:3 sequence. 4 sequential
source film frames are shown in bold in figure 2 – A, B, C, D. Each phase is identified by
describing the first and second field of the video frame using the A, B, C, D reference.
For example:
Phase 2 is described as “BB”. In this instance both the first and second fields are derived from
source frame B. Phase 4 however is derived from source frames C and D. In this case the
label would read “CD”.
It is important to reference the Alchemist as this prevents the frame synchronizer from
performing additional frame drops or repeats. These extra drops or repeats may introduce an
irregular motion profile or in some cases cause a discontinuous cadence.
• Setting the reference menu item to External and applying an external reference. The
source should share the same externally applied reference.
A1. Pictures edges may contain artifacts unrelated to the image content which if not excluded
from the sequence detection could impede or prevent correct sequence detection.
Alternatively, some complex material may contain images with different cadences present.
This feature allows the user to lock onto the favored cadence.
Q2. Why would I want to use “On Valid Timecode” mode of operation?
A2. The feature is very useful in applications where content has been spanned across
multiple tapes. Each tape must contain constant cadence and timecode following on from the
previous tape.
Q3. Can I leave the Alchemist in Detect mode all the time?
A3. Yes you can. However, in some rare circumstances material may not contain a clear
motion signature.
Q4. Why does the latency of the Alchemist increase when FilmTools is enabled?
A4. In order to perform high quality sequence detection and process sequence changes
correctly from the first field of the new sequence the Alchemist requires a longer period of
analysis.
Q5. Can the user set up independent cadences on output A and output B?
A5. This is not possible – the output cadence defined applies to both Output A and B.
Q6. What happens if I have some 720 50P/59/60 material with a 2:2 cadence and I set
the input cadence alignment to 2:2 F1/2 (PsF)?
A6. The Alchemist will use the field marker present in the timecode due to the absence of an
F sync in these standards. If there is no input timecode the 2:2 sequence will free run.
A7. Video blur is used to create a more naturalistic film originated look on video to film
conversions.
Q8. Can I use embedded audio when I select a SlowPAL output format (625 23.98PsF
and 625 24PsF)?
A8. Yes the embedded audio will be present but it will be 48KHz. In addition all AES outputs
will also be 48KHz.
Q9. Can I use embedded audio when I select a SlowPAL input format (625 23.98PsF and
625 24PsF)?
A9. Yes the system will accept embedded audio from a SlowPAL source however it must be
48KHz. If Slow audio in is required we recommend the use of AES.
A10. The Bias control is useful when converting material that does not contain a clear motion
signature. This can occur for many reasons, such as:
A11. No, forced cuts and forced output cadence are mutually exclusive. A forced 2:3 output
for example would by definition contain sequence changes on both a F1 and a F2. With
FilmTools enabled the output cadence must be set to OFF if forced cuts are required.
Q12. Can the MC Interpolate mode be used with 59.94 2:3 input cadences?
A12. The MC Interpolate conversion mode is only available for film inputs which have a 2:2
cadence. If there is a requirement to convert from 1080 59i with a 2:3 cadence to 1080 50PsF
then it is recommended that this conversion is achieved using a two pass process. The 1080
59i with 2:3 cadence should first be converted to 1080 23.98PsF, followed by a secondary
conversion to 1080 25PsF.
Q13. When I perform a low frame rate conversion (such as 1080 23.98 PsF) to a high
frame rate (such as 1080 50i) the output of the Alchemist seems to phase between a 2:2
(film) cadence and a 1:1 (video) cadence. Why is this?
A13. This phenomenon occurs as the phase of the input and output video run through. In the
example used (1080 23.98PsF > 1080 50i) the cadence moves smoothly between pseudo 2:2
and 1:1 cadence every second. This repetition rate will vary depending on the frame rate
conversion undertaken.
Q14. When I perform a low frame conversion (such as 1080 23.98 PsF > 1080 25PsF) I
get a different result with V6.0.0. Why is this?
A14. This is because the behavior of Auto mode has been modified with the introduction of
MC Interpolate. All 2:2 to 2:2 cadence conversions will use MC Interpolate as default. If the
old behavior is desired the Film control should be set to Interpolate.
2:2 F2/F1 A film frame being transported as 2:2 (PsF) is placed into two
consecutive video fields. F2/F1 denotes that the film frame is carried in
a field two and the following field one. This is commonly referred to
“reverse dominance” or “reverse cadence”. See PsF.
2:3 Pulldown A telecine uses a technique called 2:3 pulldown (sometimes also called
3:2 pulldown) to convert Film from 23.98Hz to 59.94Hz videotape. For
every 4 frames of film there are 5 frames of 59.94 video. The telecine
alternately places 1 film frame across 2 fields, the next across 3, the
next across 2 and so on.
Animation Any content with a frame rate of 12Hz or below where the cadence may
have no regular pattern.
Cadence The pattern of video fields that create a net frame rate lower than the
video frame rate that carries them.
Cadence The cadence window defines a 24 hour period of time used to define
Window the behavior of the 2:3 Timecode Datum calculations. The window
definition and input timecode will define whether the 2:3 Datum
Cadence is extrapolated backwards or forwards from the 2:3 Datum
Timecode. This concept is only applicable to the 2:3 Datum Cadence
feature.
Clean frames Output fields or frames are derived directly from a single input frame
with no interpolation.
Content Type Content can fall into a variety of types based on its properties. In the
FilmTools context type categories include 2:2, 2:3, varispeed,
animation and video.
DEFTplus The content targeted at the DEFT conversions evolved over time.
Material soon contained both film and video elements cut together
throughout a program. This content required a 2 pass conversion. One
through a DEFT, and the other through an Alchemist. The results would
then be edited together to provide the optimum conversion. DEFTplus
offers optimal handling of the video content as well as the film
originated content by switching seamlessly from a DEFT conversion to
a video conversion on a shot by shot basis. Source video movement at
59.94Hz can be converted to movement at 47.95HZ using Ph.C Motion
Compensation. Alternatively the video elements can by converted to
24Hz (Video to film) to maintain a consistent frame based appearance.
Input Trigger Term used when defining a timecode conversion. The input trigger is
the value of the input timecode that defines when an output timecode
event occurs.
Interpolation The process of deriving new samples from a two or more source
samples.
Interpolation The process of deriving new samples from a two or more source
(Spatial) samples associated with the same point in time but different points in
space. In the context of video, by using different lines and pixels from
the same field or frame.
Interpolation The process of deriving new samples from a two or more source
(Temporal) samples associated with the same point in space but different points in
time. In the context of video, by using pixels from the subsequent fields
or frames.
Mixed Cadence Content that contains two or more different cadences occurring
concurrently in different regions of the image. Typical examples include
film content with overlaid interlaced captions or film content derived
from two different sources (with different cadences).
Mixed Content Generic term used to define content which could contain mixed
cadence or content that changes type or cadence over time. See
Content Type
P-Film This process offers all the advantages of DEFTplus for 50Hz mixed
media sources.
Sequence This is the act of finding film frame boundaries. For “perfect” PsF or 2:3
Detection sequences, this will produce a regular pattern of frames. For
“non-perfect” sequences the pattern will not be regular and might have
discontinuities at edit points for example.
Varispeed Refers to film originated material which has been played off speed. For
example, speed up could be performed by dropping the third field in a
three field frame.
Video Any content with motion portrayal at a frequency greater than 30 Hz.
Video Blur Technique used during the Video-to-Film process to modify temporal
processing to create a more naturalistic film originated look.
E.1 Overview
The Dolby®E Authoring option for Alchemist Ph.C-HD is capable of providing encoding,
transcoding and decoding for up to two Dolby®E audio streams, without impacting on the
processing of other PCM audio channels. Set up and control is integrated with the existing
user interface through simple, easy to use control screens or RollCall remote control.
The Dolby®E Authoring option offers the ability to encode and author Dolby®E from PCM with
full support for the associated metadata.
Metadata can be configured with ease – commonly used metadata sets can be stored in
global memories and/or specific metadata memories to assist efficient processing.
For monitoring the newly authored Dolby®E it is possible to route the Dolby®E to the Dolby®E
decoder. The decoded PCM may be monitored on the headphones socket or routed to the
audio outputs. Decoded metadata is presented per program in a single screen shot allowing
fast validation that the metadata was correctly configured during encoding.
E.1.1 Features
• Dolby®E processing integrated with converter; no need to setup and configure exter-
nal boxes.
• Frame rate standards conversion as well as up, down and cross conversion modes.
• Headphones socket.
• Dolby®D decode.
In general when authoring Dolby the important parameters are Program Configuration,
Dialogue Norm, Line Mode and Preferred Stereo Downmix. Other parameters are normally
left in preset.
• Mix Level: This parameter can only be adjusted if the ‘Audio Production’ is set to
‘Yes’. The Mix Level describes the peak sound pressure level (SPL) used during the
final mixing at the studio, and allows the consumer’s amplifier to set its volume such
that the SPL in the replay environment matches that of the studio. This control oper-
ates in addition to dialog level and is best thought of as the final volume setting on the
consumer’s equipment.
• Room Type: This parameter can only be adjusted if the ‘Audio Production’ is set to
‘Yes’. The Room Type parameter describes the equalization used during the final mix-
ing session at the studio.
• None: No equalization
• Music and Effects: Main source without the dialog channel. Usually associated with
a separate Dialog program.
• Emergency: 1 channel for emergency messages with priority to mute all other pro-
grams.
• Voice Over: A single channel to be decoded and mixed with the centre channel.
• Karaoke: Left and right channels have music. Centre channel has a guide melody. L’s
and R’s have optional backing vocals.
E.3.6 DC Filter
This parameter indicates whether the DC-blocking 3Hz highpass filter is applied to the main
input channels of the program.
• Not Indicated.
• LtRt Preferred: The Lt/Rt downmix is prologic encoded so that the output contains
centre and surround information that can be decoded by a prologic decoder.
• LoRo Preferred: The Lo/Ro downmix adds the Left and Right Surround channels
discretely to the Left and Right speaker channels, respectively. This preserves the
stereo separation for stereo-only monitoring and produces a mono-compatible signal.
E.3.17 RF Mode
RF mode is designed for products (such as set-top boxes) that generate a downmixed signal
for connection to the RF/antenna input of a television set; however, it is also useful in
situations where heavy dynamic range control is required—for example, when small PC
speakers are used for DVD playback. In RF mode, high- and low-level compression scaling is
not allowed. When RF mode is active, that compression profile is always fully applied.
Audio Setup
6. Lock audio outputs together by selecting AES follows EMB A and EMB B follows
EMB A.
Audio Setup
4. Touch map AES 1-4 button for single step routing configuration.
Audio Setup
10. Select program configuration to 5.1+2. Touch Preset to ensure Dolby default values
are used.
14. Recall Snapshot 1 (this will load settings for Prog 1 only)
16. Return to the Audio Control Page and select the Emb A tab and Route Enc 1 to
Emb 1.
User wants to verify the encoder is set up correctly whilst performing the conversion
Audio Setup
7. Touch map AES 1-4 button for single step routing configuration, manually re-route
AES 1 Ch1 to encoder input 2 and AES 1 Ch 2 to encoder input 1.
9. Select Metadata Authoring and configure all 8 programs (if the metadata for each
program is the same use the Snapshot tool).
10. Select Dolby Decoder 1 page and set the source to Enc 1.
11. Return to the Audio Control page and select Emb A tab and Route Enc 1 to Emb 1.
Decoded metadata may now be monitored and validated during authoring process.
Global memories store the Alchemist’s current configuration, including Dolby configuration
and associated metadata for each program present with the current Dolby configuration.
Metadata Snapshots allow the user to store and recall specific program metadata
configurations (this doesn’t include Program Configuration and Bit Depth). These can be
saved from the decoder or the encoder as required. For Snapshot behavior see Using
Metadata Snapshots on page 182
5.1 + 2 2
5.1 + 2x1 3
4+4 2
4 + 2x2 3
4 + 2 + 2x1 4
4 + 4x1 5
4x2 4
3x2 + 2x1 5
2x2 + 4x1 6
2 + 6x1 7
8x1 8
5.1 1
4+2 2
4 + 2x1 3
3x2 3
2x2 + 2x1 4
2 + 4x1 5
6x1 6
4 1
2+2 2
2 + 2x1 3
4x1 4
7.1 1
7.1 screen 1
For each program there are metadata default values (based on the associated Program
Configuration). These default values are the default values recommended by Dolby.If
required the user may modify these defaults independently of each program. Any modification
made will be retained until either:
E.7.1 Dolby®E
Bit Depth Yes
DC Filter Yes
Authoring Transcoding
Yes No
Configure remaining
Repeat process for other program Metadata sets
program Metadata sets manually or leave as
Dolby presets
† The output frame rate Metadata parameter will be modified in accordance with the output standard selection.
* Default settings can be either system preset values (as specified by Dolby) OR user defined ‘default’ values. (Users can modify the
system preset values for each program configuration – these settings will be stored during a power cycle).
Program Description
Mixing Level 90
DC Filter Enabled
Datarate 384kbs
The user has specified a 20bit, 8x1 program configuration and has selected program 1 for
configuration.
As described in the Metadata Workflow section the internal metadata set (all 8 programs) will
be set to default values.
The table below indicates the contents of the Snapshot, the 8x1 program configuration default
values (for program 1) , the value of the Metadata parameters post Snapshot load and
whether the internal default value has been updated by the Snapshot. If a parameter wasn’t
updated there is an explanation as to why it wasn’t appropriate to do so.
Bitstream Mode Complete Main (CM) Complete Main (CM) Complete Main (CM)
Mixing Level 90 80 90
Tone and
Embedded audio
LFE
inputs
generators
Audio Rate
AES Converters
(X8)
disembed
Video In B
Channel based
Dolby gain/delay/mix Encoder 1 Dolby Dolby Audio Video Out B
Decoder 1 source Encoder 1 Aligner embedder B
Page 184
Encoder 2
source
Dolby Dolby
www.snellgroup.com
Decoder 2 Encoder 2
AES BNC AES BNC out
Decoder outputs Outputs
Metadata
Input processor
metadata Embedder A 1-8
Embedder B 1-8
AES out 1-8
Headphone
Encoder 1-2 out
Output
Decoder 1-2
Embedder In 1-8
AES In 1-8
Headphone
Source Headphone
Gain
©
Dolby E Authoring
Dolby®E configuration controls have been designed with system integration in mind. IP/OP
Alignment controls may be used to compensate for equipment up/downstream which
respects Dolby frames. Global/master delay and individual audio pair delay may be used in
addition to the alignment controls to allow sub frame lip-sync adjustments to be made.
Determine whether the input Dolby®E is co-timed, advanced, or delayed with respect to the
video and adjust the IP Alignment control accordingly.
Determine whether the output Dolby®E needs to be co-timed, advanced, or delayed with
respect to the video and adjust the OP Alignment control accordingly.
Correct any sub-frame lip-sync issues by adjusting either the master audio delay (if all
channels require the same adjustment) or the individual channel delay (if channels require
different levels of adjustment).
Time Time
Total Audio Delay = System Delay + Dolby IP Alignment + Dolby OP Alignment + Master
Delay + Channel Delay.
† ‡
SYSTEM ‡ MASTER INDIVIDUAL
+ DOLBY INPUT ALIGNMENT + DOLBY OUTPUT ALIGNMENT + +
DELAY DELAY CH DELAY TOTAL
See Home screen Decoder + “Co- timed” = zero ip frame Encoder + “Co- timed” = zero op frame
Master delay control Individual output = AUDIO
or refer to Latency Applies to all audio pair offset DELAY
Decoder + “Delayed” = minus 1 ip frame Encoder + “Delayed” = plus 1 op frame
tables output pairs
Decoder + “Advanced”= plus 1 ip frame Encoder + “Advanced”= minus 1 op frame
The current System Delay is shown on the Audio tab of the Alchemist Ph.C – HD Home
screen; the system delays for all of the Alchemist Ph.C-HD’s conversions are also listed in the
“Latency Tables” appendix of the Operator’s manual.
The Dolby Input Alignment and Dolby Output Alignment controls are dependant on any other
devices that are upstream and downstream of the Alchemist Ph.C – HD. These adjustments
will normally only be made once, when the Alchemist is first configured, or when upstream or
downstream devices are changed.
Finally, the master and individual channel delay controls are added to the other delay
sources. These are normally used to compensate for lip-sync issues and are more frequently
adjusted than the other delay sources.
The following three examples illustrate how audio delay would be calculated.
Example 1: 1080/50i to 1080/59i conversion (FilmTools “OFF – Min Delay “ON”), Dolby®E
Input is 1 frame delayed with respect to the video, Dolby®E Output should be advanced with
respect to the video, and a lip-sync error of +10ms is present.
† ‡
SYSTEM ‡ MASTER INDIVIDUAL
+ DOLBY INPUT ALIGNMENT + DOLBY OUTPUT ALIGNMENT + +
DELAY DELAY CH DELAY TOTAL
AUDIO
“DELAYED” “ADVANCED” DELAY
180ms + 10ms + 0ms
(1 x 1080/50i Frame = -40ms) (1 x 1080/59i Frame = -33ms) = 117ms
† There are five user controls which contribute to the System Delay value - input standard,
output standard, FilmTools (on/off), Min Delay (on/off), Synchro TC Conversion.
‡ Note: With the high rate 720P standards (such as 720 50/59/60P) one Dolby frame actually
equals two high rate 720P frames. E.g. One 720/50P Dolby Frame = 40ms.
† ‡
SYSTEM ‡ MASTER INDIVIDUAL
+ DOLBY INPUT ALIGNMENT + DOLBY OUTPUT ALIGNMENT + +
DELAY DELAY CH DELAY TOTAL
AUDIO
“CO-TIMED” “DELAYED” DELAY
278ms + 0ms + 8ms
(0 x 1080/59i Frame = 0ms) (1 x 1080/23PsF Frame = 42ms) = 328ms
Example 3: 525/59i to 720/59P conversion, Dolby®E Input is advanced with respect to the
video, Dolby®E Input should be delayed with respect to the video, no lip-sync error.
† ‡
SYSTEM ‡ MASTER INDIVIDUAL
+ DOLBY INPUT ALIGNMENT + DOLBY OUTPUT ALIGNMENT + +
DELAY DELAY CH DELAY TOTAL
AUDIO
“ADVANCED” “DELAYED” DELAY
152ms (2 x 720/59P Frame = 33ms) + 0ms + 0ms
(1 x 525/59i Frame = 33ms) See ‡ = 218ms
† There are five user controls which contribute to the System Delay value - input standard,
output standard, FilmTools (on/off), Min Delay (on/off), Synchro TC Conversion.
‡ Note: With the high rate 720P standards (such as 720 50/59/60P) one Dolby frame actually
equals two high rate 720P frames. E.g. One 720/50P Dolby Frame = 40ms.
The first section (Phase 1) is made up from short tones at -18dBFS to identify each channel.
• Centre- 1320Hz
• LFE- 82.5Hz
• - 660Hz
This channel identification section aids interpretation on a visual display and the spatial
sequence around the speakers also becomes recognizable very quickly.
The second section (Phase 2) identifies front left and right channels only using 1KHz at
-18dBFS tone. The left channel is interrupted four times whilst the right channel is constant.
This pattern of interrupts was selected to provide a ‘familiar’ signal to operators and avoids
confusion with the GLITS tone after stereo down mix.
The last section (Phase 3) has a 2KHz tone at -24dBFS on all six channels. This provides a
phase check capability and when summed to stereo using default down-mix values should
produce tones approximately -18dBFS on each channel.
When the BLITS test tone is enabled the user can define whether they would like Phase 1,
Phase 2, Phase 3 or All phases in sequence. This is configured with the system setup.
1320 2KHz
82.5 2KHz
660 2KHz
660 2KHz
A1. Yes, simply set the Encode Mode to “Author” and begin authoring Dolby®E. Metadata can
be set to Dolby recommended defaults or may be tailored to individual applications.
Q2. Is it possible to re-order the channel configuration of the Dolby®E program i.e.
2+5.1 to 5.1+2?
A2. Yes, the Alchemist offers comprehensive channel level routing, gain and delay controls.
Q3. Is it possible to have different Audio sources embedded on the same channel of
Emb A, Emb B and AES?
A3. Yes. Assuming the audio output lock has been disabled, the user may configure Emb A,
Emb B and AES completely independently.
Q4. What happens if the Dolby®E frame rate is different to the input video frame rate?
A4. The Alchemist will decode the Dolby®E (whatever the frame rate is) and re-encode it to
make a Dolby compliant bitstream at the specified output frame rate. All embedded audio
(PCM/Data or Dolby®E) must be 48KHz and clock synchronous with the video. This feature
could be used to repair a program which had previously been converted in data mode.
Q5. What happens if I give the Alchemist Dolby®E which is out of the guard band?
A5. The Alchemist will automatically re-align and output Dolby compliant data.
A6. The Alchemist will automatically detect the loss of Dolby®E and indicate the presence of
PCM. The PCM will be routed through the same path to the output without user intervention.
A7. Yes, tones may be generated in either “Author” mode or “Transcode” mode. In Author
mode the user is responsible for configuring the Dolby program. In Transcode mode the
Dolby configuration is dictated by the decoder (program config and Metadata are passed
through). BLITS and 1KHz/4KHz -18dBFS/-20dBFS tones are available. Where a LFE
channel is present a 100Hz tone will be generated.
Q8. Why can you not use gain when performing a Dolby Transcode?
A8. Dolby®E content has been mastered with care, and the associated Metadata reflects the
way this Dolby®E has been created. Altering the gain of the audio within the Dolby®E
bit-stream may render the Metadata inaccurate. It is of course possible to adjust the gain if
you enter “Author” mode. In this mode the user is responsible for ensuring content and
Metadata are correct.
Q9. Can I use Dolby®E when I select a SlowPAL output format (625 23.98PsF and 625
24PsF)?
A9. Yes the Dolby®E will be present on both the embedded and AES but it will be 48KHz.
Q10. Can I use Dolby®E when I select a SlowPAL input format (625 23.98PsF and 625
24PsF)?
A10. Yes the system will accept either AES or Embedded if the source is 48KHz. If Slow
audio is required we recommend the use of AES.
Q11. How will Dolby®E be aligned with a 720 50/59P video output?
A11. The Dolby®E will be aligned correctly to alternate 720P frames. If a specific alignment is
desired, the Alchemist should be provided with an interlaced reference source, OR the 720P
output should be allocated to the secondary output, and an interlaced format should be
selected on the primary – in this case, the Dolby®E will be aligned with the interlaced frame
structure.
A12. Yes, positive or negative delay may be added via the global delay and/or the individual
channel delay controls.
Q13. Can I accommodate the frame latency of the encoder before the Alchemist?
A13. Yes, this can be accommodated easily, through the use of the IP Alignment control. This
control allows the user to specify whether the incoming Dolby®E is Co-timed/Delayed or
advanced by 1 frame with respect to the video. Note that there is also an Output Alignment
control to aid integration with downstream equipment.
Q14. Will the AES decoded outputs be aligned with Embedded Dolby®E bitstream?
A14. Yes they will, although AES outputs will always be aligned with Output A, i.e. if Output B
genlock offset is adjusted the timing will be different to A and the AES outputs. In addition if
the “Monitor” AES feature is enabled, the AES timing will be advanced on the Embedded
channels as this feature is intended to monitor the input decoded PCM.
Q15. How is the Dolby®E bitstream aligned if my primary and secondary outputs have
different genlock offsets?
A15. The Dolby®E will remain aligned to the specified genlock offsets in both outputs. Note
that the AES outputs will be aligned to the primary video output (A), and therefore may be
offset relative to the secondary.
A16. The Alchemist will automatically detect the presence of Dolby®D and allow it to be
decoded to PCM.
A17. Yes this is technically possible, however Dolby®D is an emissive standard which is only
intended to be decoded by the consumer. Multiple decode/encode cycles will impair the audio
quality.
Q18. Is it possible to ingest Metadata which has been Authored externally to the
Alchemist?
A18. Yes Metadata authored on external units (such as the DP570/571) can be directly
encoded into the Alchemist's output Dolby®E bitstream.
Q19. If Metadata is ingested through the external metadata connections does the
Alchemist validate the metadata prior to encoding?
A19. No, external metadata bypasses the internal metadata processor and is encoded
directly into the output Dolby®E bitstream (unless the Snapshot feature is used).
E.14 Glossary
Authoring Describes the act of encoding PCM to Dolby®E and creating the
associated metadata.
Guard Band The guard band refers to the number of audio sample locations that do
not contain Dolby®E data. The guard band is intended to be aligned
with the editing and switching areas so that edits and switches may
occur without the loss or corruption of Dolby®E data.
Transcode/ Dolby®E Transcoding is the act of converting Dolby®E from one frame
Transcoding rate to another.
Appendix F. SNMP
F.1 Overview
SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is a protocol within the TCP/IP suite and,
because of the popularity of TCP/IP, SNMP has become the de facto standard for managing
data networks.
SNMP is a simple request / response protocol that communicates information values between
two types of software entities:
The information available from an SNMP agent is defined by sets of files called Management
Information Base or MIB.
Features:
The parameter that is passed to the agent is called an OID (object Identifier). This is a unique
reference to the information that is required. Every single piece of information that can be
returned from an SNMP agent will have its own unique OID. The complete set of OIDs is
organized in a hierarchical or tree structure to form a MIB (management information base).
There is a third command type called a Trap or Notification. Traps work differently to polling in
that they are not initiated by the SNMP Manager application. Traps are unsolicited messages
broadcast by the agent to its trap destination list (a list of IP addresses that represent the
SNMP Manager applications monitoring that agent). Traps are usually only generated when a
specific event occurs, usually alerts.
MIB TREE
.iso.org.dod.internet.private.enterprises.snellWilcoxRoot
snellWilcoxProductReg
snellWilcoxStdsConvertorProducts
conversionAlchemistHD
...471.2… ...471.3…
...471.0… ...471.1…
2 = Status Parameter 3 = SNMP Configuration
0 = Notification 1 = Control Parameter
(read only) Parameters
The final trailing ‘.0’ indicates an instance of this object. The agent responds with the value 0
(SDI A) or 1 (SDI B).
• With a Get command, the manager sends the parameter OID, and then receives back
the OID and its value.
• With a Set command the manager sends the OID plus the value and gets back the
OID plus the value.
In this case the notification packet actually contains the logInpLossStat parameter
As and when the input changes the trap receiver will indicate an input state of ‘lost’ or ‘ok’.
The community provides a very rudimentary level of security. If a GET request is received
from an SNMP Manager and the Read community value in the GET message matches the
read community value set in the agent, the agent will respond with the value requested.
An identical process is carried out when an agent receives a SET command, however the
Write community value must match in this instance.
By default most SNMP Agents have a read community value of ‘public’ and a write community
value of ‘private’.
In many systems these values are never changed, leaving the potential for unauthorized
access to a device.
System Setup
Comms
SNMP
Trap
Physical Interface Selection
(Tab 1 to 4)
Enable Read
Trap Enable
SNMP community
Trap UDP
UDP Port Contact
Port
Physical Trap
SNMP Name
Location Community
The SNMP Agent that operates within the Alchemist may be accessed via the
Communications menu.
On the main SNMP page, you can configure and enable up to four SNMP traps. Each SNMP
trap is configured on its own tab. For each trap, specify the following information:
Trap IP Configures the IP address to which traps (notifications) are sent. This
Address address should correspond to the IP address of the SNMP Manager.
Trap UDP Configures the destination UDP port for traps. The manager should be
Port configured to ‘listen’ for traps on this port. The SNMP default is 162 but
other port numbers may be used.
The settings on the SNMP > Physical page allow the Alchemist’s SNMP functions to be
enabled or disabled and the UDP Port to be used for SNMP communication to be specified.
This page also provides an option to resend all SNMP traps to the SNMP manager:
Enable This enables or disables the SNMP agent within the Alchemist.
SNMP
Default is disabled.
Resend All When pressed the Alchemist will resend all current traps/notifications.
Traps
UDP Port This indicates/configures the UDP port that the Alchemist listens on for
SNMP messages from a manager. The SNMP default is 161 but other
ports may be used.
Name Click edit to change unit’s physical name, used for SNMP purposes.
The default name is Alchemist PhC HD.
The settings on the SNMP > Interface page configure the Alchemist’s SNMP interface.
Contact Configures the contact email address for Alchemist SNMP agent.
email
The MIBs are stored locally on the Alchemist or can be found on the Snell FTP site.
Simply connect the Alchemist to your network, open an internet browser (IE 7 recommended)
and enter the current IP address (see system > Ethernet > IP address).
This will show the Alchemist home page. At the top of the home screen select the ‘SNMP
MIBs’ logo to extract a zip file containing the required MIBs. Save these locally for use with
your chosen SNMP application.
The Alchemist’s SNMP Agent has been explicitly validated with the following SNMP
applications:
• MGSoft
G.1 Overview
Closed captioning is a term describing several systems developed to display text on a
television or video screen to provide additional or interpretive information to viewers who wish
to access it.
Closed captions typically display a transcription of the audio portion of a program as it occurs
(either verbatim or in edited form), sometimes including non-speech elements.
The term "closed" in closed captioning indicates that not all viewers see the captions, only
those who choose to decode or activate them. This distinguishes from "open captions"
(sometimes called "burned-in" or "hardcoded" captions), which are visible to all viewers.
Most of the world does not distinguish captions from subtitles however these terms do have
different meanings. “Subtitles” assume the viewer can hear but cannot understand the
language or accent, or speech is not entirely clear, so they only transcribe dialogue and some
on screen text. “Captions” aim to describe to the deaf and hard of hearing all significant audio
content. This includes spoken dialogue and non-speech information such as the identity of
the speakers and occasionally their manner of speaking together with music or sound effects
using words or symbols.
This Closed Caption CEA608/708 option provides the ability to transcode CEA608 captions
to/from CEA708 compatibility bytes (708 CB) and pass native CEA708 to CEA708 whilst
performing a standards conversion, cross conversion, up/down conversion.
G.1.1 Features
• Transcode CEA608 to/from CEA708 compatibility bytes
SMPTE 334-1 outlines a means of transporting the 708 caption as a VANC packet (DID=61
SDID=01). The payload of this ancillary packet contains a Caption Distribution Packet (CDP)
and is outlined in SMPTE 334-2.
The CDP payload can consist of CEA608 transported as compatibility bytes (transcoded
CEA608 / 708 CB), native CEA708 or both.
As DTV standards cover many different frame rates, the amount of caption data per
field/frame varies dependant on the transmission video standard. Lower frame rates such as
24/25Hz will carry twice the information as the higher frames rates such 50/59.94Hz. This is
to maintain the constant 9600bps.
Grey (Not Valid) indicates that the 608 caption data is not
valid for the current input standard selected.
Output A/B The Output A/B column informs the user whether each output caption
(608/708) is currently being successfully passed (in the current mode of
608 (21) operation).
608 (284)
708 The caption is being successfully passed and is currently
inserted into the specified output line.
Note that 608 can only be inserted onto lines 21 and 284.
Source The Source column indicates the source of each output caption type
(608/708).
608 (21)
608 (284) The specified 608 source caption is NOT present.
708 708 output captions are sourced from both the 608 and
708 input. The compatibility bytes are sourced from the
608 and the Native 708 is source from the 708 input.
C-Captions C-Captions
C-Captions Edit
Enable Enable
525 Input This allows line 21/284 to be blanked once the 608 caption data has
Setup been extracted. This prevents the caption data creeping into the image
processing apertures.
Line 21 Auto: If 608 is detected the Alchemist will extract the caption data and
Blanking then blank line 21/284.
525 Input Use this to control of the source of the outgoing 608 captions.
Setup
Note: Only applicable to 525 59i inputs.
608 Source Auto: The Alchemist will automatically detect the presence of line 21 or
708 compatibility bytes. If both are both present Line 21 takes priority.
Format tabs Select the desired output format configuration using the tabs.
This allows the user to configure independently the five different output
formats (525, 625,720P, 1080i, 1080P).
Enable Touch Enable Line 21 to enable/disable the insertion of 525 608 Line
21 output captions.
Line 21
Note: Only present on 525 tab
Enable Touch Enable Line 284 to enable/disable the insertion of 525 608 Line
284 output captions.
Line 284
Note: Only present on 525 tab
Enable 708 Touch Enable Line 284 to enable/disable the insertion of 525 608 Line
284 output captions.
Enable 708 Touch Enable 708 to enable/disable the insertion of 708 captions.
708 Line Touch the slider to select the 708 output insertion line number.
Q3. Is it possible to extract 608 Line 21 caption data and then insert it on Line 284 at the
output?
A3. No. Line 21 captions will always be inserted on Line 21, 284 caption data will be inserted
on Line 284.
A4. Yes it can, although 608 is more commonly used for 525.
Q5. What happens if only 708 CB or only native 708 are present at the input?
A5. When enabled the Alchemist will always output both 708 CB and native 708
headers/footers. If only one type is present, the other will be padded with null packets.
Q6. Why does the Alchemist report the output captions are “missing” when the
monitoring equipment claims captions are present at the output of the Alchemist?
A6. This can occur if the user has enabled the Alchemist’s output caption data whilst the
source data is “missing”. The Alchemist reports ”missing” as it is not successfully inserting the
specified input captions at the specified output. In this condition the Alchemist will however
output 608/708 packet containing null data, hence why the monitoring equipment advertises
the presence of a caption signal.
H.1 Overview
The delay for each of the Alchemist’s audio pairs can be configured individually. This delay is
added to the master audio delay and the unit’s internal processing delay. The values of this
delay vary according to the conversion being made and:
• If FilmTools is not installed or enabled, whether the Minimum Delay control in the
Setup menu is enabled.
• Column three displays the total system delay (in milliseconds) for the corresponding
conversion, assuming that the unit is referenced to the input and no offset has been
specified. This value is shown as the System Delay in the Status display on the Home
screen.
• Column four displays the minimum delay that may occur if the unit is running with an
offset or is in Freerun mode.
• Column five displays the maximum delay that may occur if the unit is running with an
offset or is in Freerun mode.
Table 1 displays the delay when the FilmTools option is not installed, or is disabled, and the
Minimum Delay control on the Setup menu is set to Yes. See page 207.
Table 2 displays the delay when the FilmTools option is enabled, or when the Minimum Delay
control on the Setup menu is set to No. See page 209.
Table 3 displays the delays when the FilmTools option is not installed, or disabled, and
Minimum Delay control is set to On. See page 214.
Table 1: FilmTools not installed or disabled and Minimum Delay set to OFF
Delay (ms)
Min Delay (ms) Max Delay (ms)
Input Output Referenced to
Referenced with Referenced with
input with zero
offset or freerun offset or freerun
offset
Delay (ms)
Min Delay (ms) Max Delay (ms)
Input Output Referenced to
Referenced with Referenced with
input with zero
offset or freerun offset or freerun
offset
Delay (ms)
Min Delay (ms) Max Delay (ms)
Input Output Referenced to
Referenced with Referenced with
input with zero
offset or freerun offset or freerun
offset
Delay (ms)
Min Delay (ms) Max Delay (ms)
Input Output Referenced to
Referenced with Referenced with
input with zero
offset or freerun offset or freerun
offset
Delay (ms)
Min Delay (ms) Max Delay (ms)
Input Output Referenced to
Referenced with Referenced with
input with zero
offset or freerun offset or freerun
offset
Delay (ms)
Min Delay (ms) Max Delay (ms)
Input Output Referenced to
Referenced with Referenced with
input with zero
offset or freerun offset or freerun
offset
Delay (ms)
Min Delay (ms) Max Delay (ms)
Input Output Referenced to
Referenced with Referenced with
input with zero
offset or freerun offset or freerun
offset
Delay (ms)
Min Delay (ms) Max Delay (ms)
Input Output Referenced to
Referenced with Referenced with
input with zero
offset or freerun offset or freerun
offset
Delay (ms)
Min Delay (ms) Max Delay (ms)
Input Output Referenced to
Referenced with Referenced with
input with zero
offset or freerun offset or freerun
offset
RollTrack Audio Delay Tracking enables RollCall-compatible audio delay products to track
delay introduced by RollCall compatible video processing products.
The simplest configuration is a single video unit and a single audio delay in a RollCall system.
The audio delay will have the same delay as through the video path. If the delay changes the
audio delay will track.
RollCall connection
delayed audio by 10 ms
Analogue
IQBADC
Audio
The next level of configuration is where there are multiple Frame Synchronizers (for example)
each connected through RollCall to their own tracking Audio Delay. (It is worth stating that the
synchronizers and audio delays do not have to be in the same enclosure; the addressing
scheme, discussed later, allows for the units to be positioned anywhere in the RollCall
domain.)
The maximum number of video units and audio delays in a RollCall system is set by the
maximum limit of the number of modules in a RollCall network and is currently 3840 on a
single network without bridges.
The unique identification of the destination unit (a decimal number) for various modules is as
follows:
Module ID
IQBADC 52
IQBDAC 52
IQBAAD 53
IQBDAD 54
IQBSYN 89
IQBADCD 107
The next level of complexity is a vertical delay cluster where a video unit can have up to eight
audio delays tracking - of the same or different types.
delayed audio by 10 ms
Analogue
IQBADC tracks to 20 ms
Audio
From one to eight audio delay products can be connected via RollCall to a single frame
synchronizer, for example. If the synchronizer delay changes, then however many audio
delays are connected will track the delay. The audio delays can also have a manual delay
which will be added to the RollTrack delay.
The next level of complexity is a horizontal delay cluster where an audio delay can track up to
four video units.
IQBADC
Δ m (= manual delay set
in the BADC)
Total delay:
ΔΤ = ∑ Δ1−4 + Δm
The total delay time through the audio delay is then the sum of the individual delays
introduced by the video units plus the manual delay of the audio unit. The manual delay can
be set to compensate for any fixed propagation delay in the video path or may be set to zero.
The next level of complexity is a matrix delay cluster where each audio delay (up to eight) can
track up to four video units. This configuration is in effect a four by eight matrix of video units
and audio delay units. The total delay time through the audio delay units is then the sum of
the individual delays introduced by the video units plus the manual delay of the audio unit.
RollCall network
i
IQBDAD 1
ΔΤ = ∑ Δ1−4 + Δm
IQBDAD 8
ΔΤ = ∑ Δ1−4 + Δm
As any of the delay times change in the video path so will the audio delay time track this
delay.
A virtual connection is made between from, for example, an IQD1FSY to an IQBDAD by:
• then entering the unique network address of the IQBDAD in the form nnnn:xx:yy*z*d
d = the unique identification of the destination unit (decimal) The ID entered must
match the receiving units own ID or else the command will be ignored. If the ID value
is set to 00, the receiving unit does not perform an ID match and will always accept
the incoming command then selecting the Delay... Menu of the IQBDAD then select-
ing RollTrack.
Please provide the exact product Model, unit Serial Number and Software Version
information.
Please provide the Sub-Assembly Number, card Serial Number and the Software Version
information.
Please provide full details of the Input Signals being used including any references etc. and
where they are being generated.
Outputs
Please provide full details of the Output Signals required and how they are being monitored.
System
Please provide a brief description of the system in which your Snell equipment is currently
being used.
Please use the Preset Unit function to return the settings back to the factory default.
RollCall
Is your unit currently connected to a RollCall capable PC? This software is obtainable free of
charge and provides a very user friendly GUI for virtually all Snell equipment - perfect for
complex products, large systems or those with passive front panels.
What is the status of the card edge LEDs or display? These can often provide information
such as power status and input detection conditions.
Internal TPG
Many Snell products have an internal test pattern/tone generator. Please activate this to
assist you with your problem analysis.
In addition, please do not forget to provide us with contact information, including names,
telephone & fax numbers, e-mail addresses, and business address. A form is provided for this
information on the next page. Alternatively, an online form is available on the Snell Web site
at: http://www.snellgroup.com
Name:*
Company:*
Address:*
Postal/Zip Code:
Country:*
Telephone:*
Fax:
Email*
Product Name:*
Product Type:*
Fault/Spare Part
Information:*
(please advise us how many
units show this fault and the
system layout showing all other
manufacturers' products)
Preferred Method of
Contact:*